1 Answer

Youth work is the practice of providing formal and informal support, education and assistance to young people in need. Youth workers aim to promote the personal and social development of young people so as to give them a voice in their communities. Youth workers operate in diverse roles including, but not limited to, the following:

• Identifying general areas of concern for young people and raising relevant issues with government authorities


• Aiding in the development of youth specific policies


• Offering assistance and advice to young people experiencing family problems, unemployment, illness, drug abuse,homelessness or general adversity


• Organising or providing informed counselling


• Undertaking risk assessment for young people who have been or potentially could be the victims of domestic violence, child abuse or sexual abuse


• Referring young people to appropriate specialists or community organisations


• Inform young people about available community services and resources.


• Case management and support

Youth workers exist in the space created by young people’s exclusion from full involvement in community decision making. Youth work practice is predicated on the relationship with the young person as the primary client, expressed through a commitment to advocacy and healing in their work with the young person and the wider society.

http://www.yacwa.org.au/youth-workers/policies.html