The Short Guide to Working with Children and Young People

Description

Childhood and youth have become increasingly important key concepts across a range of disciplines, professions and studies. The short guide to working with children and young people is an accessible introduction into the main concepts, developments and policy related to this exciting area of work. Divided into two parts, the opening chapters prepare readers to think about work with children and young people by providing an overview of key theoretical perspectives related to the field. The second part focuses on work with children and young people by exploring the roles of some of the key practitioners at each stage and developing an understanding of what they do. This unique book provides a clear, concise and accessible overview of the subject and allows readers to make more informed choices in their career pathway. It provides a key starting point for relevant undergraduate degree courses as well as for people considering working in this field, and a valuable reference point for existing practitioners and volunteers.

Liesl Conradie is the Course Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Studies at the University of Bedfordshire. She is a professionally qualified youth worker who has worked with children, young people and communities in England and in South Africa. She is also an associate lecturer for The Open University on the youth work degree. Tyrrell Golding is a Youth Work Lecturer at The Open University. She has extensive experience of working with young people and communities, both in England and abroad, and writing and delivering youth work training programmes.

"This book does exactly what it says on the label. Readers are provided with important theories and concepts regarding child development, youth and adolescence. The authors promote the concept of reflective practice and offer a series of ideas and issues to reflect upon. Each chapter summarises key points raised and provides recommendations for further reading. This book will be an invaluable first text for anyone thinking about working with children and young people." Kate D'Arcy, University of Bedfordshire "This book will be useful to both students and practitioners. It considers relevant theory and research, such as child development, social construction of childhood and national and international law. It will be useful to both those who want to understand more, and those who want to develop their practice when working with children and young people." Jennifer Colloby, The Open University