Abstract

What does it mean to practice youth work ethically? How does ethical theory relate to the youth work profession? What are the moral dilemmas confronting youth workers today, and how should practitioners respond?

This definitive text on youth work ethics examines these questions and more and should be on the reading lists of all youth work trainees and practitioners. A wide range of topics are covered, including: confidentiality; sexual propriety; dependence and empowerment; equity of provision; interprofessional working; managing dual relationships; working across cultures; working within an agency.

Referencing professional codes of ethics in youth work, and the theories underpinning them, Howard Sercombe offers readers a framework for how to think about their practice ethically. Each chapter includes:

-Narrative case studies to provide an insight into real life dilemmas.

-Reflective questions and exercises to encourage critical thinking.

-Chapter summaries and further reading.

Youth Work Ethics is the ideal text for undergraduates and postgraduates studying on youth work, youth studies or youth & community work degrees, as well as youth work practitioners.
'[In this book] Howard Sercombe offers another useful and considered dimension for revisiting a wide and relevant spectrum of debates and issues in this valuable area...Offers a carefully considered opportunity to re-conceptualise understandings of the core ethics of youth work' -
Youth and Policy

"This comprehensive and thought provoking book should be read by anyone involved in youth work and should be compulsory reading on youth and community work courses." - Andy Furlong, Professor of Social Inclusion and Education, University of Glasgow

"This book combines readability with depth. It is simple to navigate and practice examples create a flash of recognition for anyone engaged in youth work. It is a book that ought to be on every youth worker, youth work manager, academic and policy maker's bookshelf." - Yvonne McNamara, Liverpool John Moores University