Whatever else happens or fails to happen, huge cuts in public services will dominate politics and youth work for at least the next couple of years.
There is already a tangible atmosphere of demoralisation among youth workers. Under New Labour, our employment contracts became shorter, funding agreements shorter still, and our work increasingly paper-based. Risk assessment took precedence over all else, and high-profile child protection cases led to an environment where policy couldn't be questioned as long as it was presented as "safeguarding".
It remains to be seen whether any of this will change under the coalition government. Cuts remain the greatest certainty. After years of youth work's purpose and principles being diluted, I worry how much strength we have to fight for our jobs and services.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
