Assignment 1

The seven characteristics of Youth Work are:

1.      Educational Practice: Youth workers use informal education to get the youth feeling motivated and on the right track

2.      Social Practice

3.      Challenge inequality and work towards social justice

4.      Where possible, young people choose to be involved

5.      Seeks to strengthen the voice and influence of young people

6.      Youth work is a welfare practice

7.      Youth work works with young people ‘holistically’

A youth worker first focuses on the interests of the group they are collaborating with. Once they figure out what will grab this group’s attention, it is important for them to create an environment of trust and security. Creating this type of environment ensures that the child will grow and get more out of what the youth worker has to offer. Youth workers know the importance of teaching and guiding a child outside of formal academic work.

A youth worker should empower and challenge these children to their full potential. In doing this, it is crucial that the youth worker understands that the group’s environment, family life, and socioeconomic status are an important factor. These factors contribute in many ways to how the child learns, behaves, and what is important to them. Understanding their background and helping the child learn more about their surrounding environment will help the child become more successful.  

Once these considerations are taken place, it is the youth worker’s job to advocate for their group while teaching each child how to advocate for themselves. As a child it is intimidating to voice your opinions or needs and these are not skills that you learn during your regular school day. Youth workers are here to listen to what you need and teach skills that will help the children become self-sufficient.

A good program that covers all seven characteristics of Youth Work is Co-z. Co-z is a public afterschool program that provides child care in a safe space. Co-z supports many families that work full time and don’t have someone at home to watch their children. Co-z program starts directly after school and ends at 6:00 pm. During this program, each child completes their homework (with or without the help from the youth workers), has a snack that is provided by the program, and participates in various classes and extracurricular activities set up by the program.  Some of these classes include internet safety, bullying and stranger danger, and Girl Scouts. Some activities are arts and crafts, healthy foods, crochet, and sports- like yoga, soccer, and dodgeball.

There are many opportunities for parent involvement where the children get to showcase their work and achievements. This program has three sessions which covers majority of the school year. The program has many benefits while allowing the children to socialize and learn in a less formal environment. 

In conclusion, a youth worker should be someone who can relate, support, and be a role model for whichever group they service.