Introduction - A DEFINITION OF DETACHED YOUTH WORK
DYW is a distinct form of work with young people. As with all youth work, it utilises the principles and practice of informal education to engage young people in a constructive dialogue, within a broad agenda of personal and social development. The work is underpinned by mutual trust and respect and delivered according to the needs of young people. The basis of the relationship between the worker and the young person is mutual acceptance and parity. Traditional notions of adult power and authority play no part.
DYWers work in a distinct environment – both the initial contact and building of relationships are developed on the street. Contact with young people is made wherever they are to be found and where they choose to meet. As such, DYW is often free from the constraints of centre-based work. Workers are without managerial responsibility for a building or property. DYW offers a service without a structured, clearly visible setting. There are no clubs with opening and closing hours, age limits, admission procedures or membership subscriptions.
The flexibility of the approach makes it ideally placed to develop learning opportunities with those who for whatever reason are not using or failing to access other youth provision.
The nature of the ‘power base’ in DYW is distinctive. Power, control and autonomy dynamics are in sharp focus. As the work occurs in young peoples’ territory they have control on the extent and manner in which they engage with DYWers. During work on the street the relationship with young people can only, therefore, be voluntary, negotiated and based on genuine mutuality.
DYW is a distinct form of work with young people. As with all youth work, it utilises the principles and practice of informal education to engage young people in a constructive dialogue, within a broad agenda of personal and social development. The work is underpinned by mutual trust and respect and delivered according to the needs of young people. The basis of the relationship between the worker and the young person is mutual acceptance and parity. Traditional notions of adult power and authority play no part.
DYWers work in a distinct environment – both the initial contact and building of relationships are developed on the street. Contact with young people is made wherever they are to be found and where they choose to meet. As such, DYW is often free from the constraints of centre-based work. Workers are without managerial responsibility for a building or property. DYW offers a service without a structured, clearly visible setting. There are no clubs with opening and closing hours, age limits, admission procedures or membership subscriptions.
The flexibility of the approach makes it ideally placed to develop learning opportunities with those who for whatever reason are not using or failing to access other youth provision.
The nature of the ‘power base’ in DYW is distinctive. Power, control and autonomy dynamics are in sharp focus. As the work occurs in young peoples’ territory they have control on the extent and manner in which they engage with DYWers. During work on the street the relationship with young people can only, therefore, be voluntary, negotiated and based on genuine mutuality.
