Q: I am working with a caseload of young people not attending school. I have to visit them at home if they don't turn up. The most annoying part is the parents who don't offer me any help in encouraging their children to make something of themselves. I feel like giving up.
Don't give up. It is really hard to work in these situations but there is always hope. If you haven't already done so, try to arrange some time with the parents on their own. Maybe invite them to your office to discuss the benefits that school could have for their children, as well as gently point out their statutory responsibilities.
If there are several parents involved it might be worth the organisation you work for developing some support workshops offering advice and guidance. Otherwise, ask for their support and agree to work as a team on it.
It might not work with everyone but I am sure some will respond well. In addition, be motivational and inspirational to the young people. Try to think of positive rewards for school attendance and encourage them to feel positive about themselves.
Q: One of our regular members has been involved in a terrible sexual assault that was reported in the local paper. Her mother has told me that she wants to come back to sessions but I am worried about how to handle it. I don't know if I should tell people not to say anything.
Before you do anything start with the young woman herself. It is important to spend some time with her and possibly her mother to find out how she best wants the situation to be handled. She will know what is best for her. You can then make a judgement about how best to welcome her back.
Q: I am frustrated by the lack of development happening at my youth club and would like to become a trustee. Is this possible for a staff member?
Generally, staff are not trustees of charities but they can be attendees at meetings. You might be able to observe meetings if you want to but you would have to have the approval of the chief executive and the board.
In many organisations members of the team take turns in either presenting their work and ideas to the board or sit in on meetings. It's a good way to see what happens but usually you will only be asked to contribute if appropriate. You could suggest this to give you a taster of how the board operates and possibly have some input.
Q: I have been doing voluntary youth work within my local church for years. I enjoy it and know I have a rapport with young people. My parents are devastated I want to do this as a career. They say it's not a proper job. How can I convince them?
You should tell them that youth work is fast becoming recognised as a profession. The government has recommended that all youth workers be qualified by 2010 as part of the Every Child Matters strategy. More colleges and universities than ever offer youth and community work as vocational qualifications as well as at diploma, degree and masters level. The National Youth Agency publishes a useful booklet Becoming a Youth Worker (www.nya.org.uk) that might help. But you should reassure your parents that youth work is a good career choice and has lots of opportunities for career development.
- Tracie Trimmer-Platman is a trained counsellor and youth work consultant. Email your workplace dilemmas to asktheexpertywn@hotmail.co.uk.
