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Youth Work Ethics
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Youth Work Ethics

  • Howard Sercombe - Professor of Community Education, University of Strathclyde


February 2010 | 192 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

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?

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.


 
Introduction
 
PART ONE: THE IDEA OF A PROFESSION
 
Ethics and the Idea of a Profession
 
Youth Work as a Profession
 
Motivations
 
PART TWO: METHOD AND THEORY IN ETHICS
 
Thinking Ethically
 
Ethical Theory
 
Codes of Ethics
 
PART THREE: ETHICAL ISSUES AND CONFLICTS
 
Ethics and Agency Policy
 
Government Money
 
Referral and Working across Professional Disciplines
 
Confidentiality
 
Youth Workers, Sex and Young People
 
Taking Care and Managing Risk
 
Professional Boundaries and Dual Relationships
 
The Ethics of Power
 
Empowerment and Dependency in the Youth Work Relationship
 
Corruption
 
Equity and Justice
 
Working Ethically across Difference
 
Professional Development
 
Now about You: Self-Care
 
Conclusion

This comprehensive and insightful book offers both students and practitioners the opportunity to revisit and reassess the fundamental principles of youth work, and to engage with the debate on ethics both theoretically and practically.

Mrs Kate Thackeray
Social Science , Worcester University
February 15, 2010
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Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One

Chapter Two