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Youth work

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The Youth Work Curriculum Statement for Wales

Youth work is delivered by both the statutory and voluntary youth service in Wales through a voluntary relationship between young people and youth workers.

Youth work is concerned with the education and development, both social and personal, of young people aged between 11 and 25 years, particularly those aged 13 to 19 years.

Youth Service provision in Wales is provided through:

  • the 22 local authorities
  • major voluntary youth organisations
  • independent local projects.

What is youth work?

Youth work is characterised by:

  • the voluntary involvement of young people
  • being age specific, focused on 11-25 year olds
  • a informal educational approach
  • being driven by a “young people first” attitude
  • a universal approach.

Youth work qualifications

Youth work is a distinct profession with its own qualifications framework that has parity with teaching and social work. The Curriculum Statement drives the Youth Service in Wales and is the bedrock of youth work practice. The Welsh Government set out its vision for the Youth Service in March 2007.

National Youth Service Strategy for Wales

The National Youth Service Strategy for Wales:

  • provides a vision for youth work in Wales.
  • sets out how to identify the staff, structure and resources required to make that vision a reality.
  • creates an action plan for youth work to make an effective contribution to Extending Entitlement.