Letters

Two thought-provoking articles with similarities, "Lock-in policy for youth clubs" (CYP Now, 6-12 November) and "The erosion of voluntary participation" (Youth Work Now, November 2008).

Andy Hillier's argument in YWN that youth work must move with the times, and that therefore voluntary participation as a fundamental principle of youth work must be put aside, leads me to believe either I am too old or you are too young.

Decades ago youth work was already key to other services that required attendance by young people. The equivalent today would be an off-site educational unit for school-aged offenders.

It is not a question of either/or. I would argue that it must remain a fundamental principle for those involved in building-based generic youth work. But, as has been the case in the past, youth work methods and skills can benefit young people within a non-negotiable package of services very well. When and where the principle is applied is a matter of common sense and appropriateness. Additionally, it is for individual youth workers to decide which environment they wish to be employed in. I know mine.