Advancing Youth Work

This path-breaking book brings together an international list of contributors to collectively articulate a vision for the field of youth work, sharing what they have learned from decades of experience in the training and education of youth workers. Carefully designed evaluation and research studies have legitimized the learning potential of youth programs and non-school organizations over the last twenty years, and recent attention has shifted towards the education, training, and on-going professional development of youth workers. Contributors define youth work across domains of practice and address the disciplines of knowledge upon which sound practice is based, reviewing examples of youth practitioner development both in and outside of academia. Raising critical questions and concerns about current trends, Advancing Youth Work aims to bring clarity to the field and future of youth work. Advancing Youth Work will help youth work practitioners develop a common language, articulate their field in one voice, and create a shared understanding of similarities and differences. This book is also an invaluable resource for higher educators, researchers, and students involved with youth work.

"At last we have an anthology that includes writings from across the youth work field! Leaders identify trends and raise critical questions related to competence, standards, education, practices, professional organization, and administration of after school, youth development, and child and youth care programs."—Mark Krueger, Professor of Youth Work, School of Continuing Education, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "Dana Fusco has brought together an expert group of scholars and practitioners who write with clarity, feeling, and understanding. The authors are adept at integrating research, practitioner wisdom, and observation. In reading this volume, one walks away with vivid images of exemplary youth work, and equally important, with cogent analyses and case examples of effective strategies for youth work education. It raises the bar, and helps set new standards for excellence."—From the foreword by Shepherd Zeldin, Bascom Rothermel Professor of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin- Madison"Youth work is a noble endeavor, but now it is time to build a skilled profession that can support all young people. This volume introduces the creative thinking of leading researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers. It is a must-read!"—Gil G. Noam, Associate Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School

Dana Fusco is Professor of Teacher Education, York College, City University of New York.