Q: A few months ago our senior worker was seriously assaulted by a young person. The club was closed and we were due to re-open after Easter. We are all very apprehensive. The incident was never reported to the police and, although we know who the perpetrator is, our manager has asked us not to make a fuss about it.
I can't imagine a situation where serious assault of any kind should be left unchallenged. Nor can I think of any reason why it might be acceptable for a young person who has perpetrated such a crime not to be held to account. First, it says that the assault was not of any consequence and therefore the victim was not important. Second, it appears to condone the act, since the perpetrator is going unchallenged and unpunished. Third, the message this gives to those young people who know about it is one of collusion - blurring boundaries and undermining relationships based on trust and respect.
It is no wonder you feel apprehensive, as not dealing with this assault suggests that staff are easy targets. Every youth organisation should have robust supervision, coaching and support systems in place. This builds trust, solidarity and clarity around policy decisions and, in the unlikely event of an incident, gives confidence that there is the structure to support them.
We are all familiar with the posters in railway stations and on buses that state the transport company's stance on assaults on staff. While we don't like to think it is necessary in youth work, it might be appropriate for your management to do the same.
Q: A significant number of children in our youth club quite openly carry replica or toy guns. I am not sure what the law is and so am not sure how best to deal with it.
Moral judgments aside, carrying replica guns is not a great idea, because in the past it has led to the same awful consequences as carrying the real thing. The Metropolitan Police offers to visit clubs and schools to talk to young people about the issue of carrying firearms. The speakers are all members of firearms teams, so they are able to describe anecdotally the way replicas or toys can lead to serious problems for young people.
They will also tell them how fingerprints and DNA found on replicas can lead to arrest and imprisonment. I would contact your local police station to book a session with their team. The young people will be interested and surprised by what they learn.
Q: A young man has returned to our sessions following a few months in prison. He is Muslim and seems to have become completely radicalised. Some of the other young people are getting fed up with it and I am getting a bit worried about him.
Religion can be all-consuming for young people, especially after they have had some kind of radicalising experience. However, everyone is entitled to their religious beliefs, so long as they do not include incitement to hatred or violence. Therefore, the young man is within his rights to share his beliefs. On the other hand, if he is forcing his opinions on others it is another matter entirely.
If this is so, find out what his rationale is. If you are happy with his explanation, you might want to leave it there. Alternatively, talking to his parents and friends would be useful.
- Tracie Trimmer-Platman is senior lecturer for youth and community work at the University of East London. Email your workplace dilemmas to asktheexpertywn@hotmail.co.uk.
