Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Impact of professional Youth Work
A mixed methods research Sonneveld, J.
Publication date 2021
Document Version Final published version
Link to publication
Citation for published version (APA):
Sonneveld, J. (2021). Impact of professional Youth Work: A mixed methods research. Poster session presented at ECSWRA , Bucharest, Romania.
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Download date:26 Nov 2021
Impact of professional Youth Work
A mixed methods research
BACKGROUND
Professional youth work is known as a developmentally appropriate social work practice (based on voluntary participation) that aims to prevent individual and social problems by supporting the personal
development and social participation of socially vulnerable youngsters.
Knowledge whether and how professional youth work might prevent
individual and social problems in socially vulnerable youngsters is poorly developed.
FOCUS OF THE STUDY
This research aims to provide to substantiate the multi-methodic approach of professional youth worker by examining whether and how a combined use of youth work methods contributes to five
outcome variables: prosocial skills, self-mastery, social network, civic participation (volunteering and organizing activities) and finding
support from social care services.
INTEGRATED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
PARTNERS AND FINANCIERS
MIXED METHODS DESIGN
Multiple cohort study Multiple case study Youth work participants (aged 10-24)
were approached four times for self- reporting: T1, Sept-Dec 2017, N = 1,597; T2, Jan-April 2018, N = 981;
T3, May-Aug 2018, N = 626; T4, Sept- Dec 2018, N = 595.
During a 12-month period, youth workers (N = 20) participated in
group intervision meetings and kept diaries reporting on their actions
and the development of the youngsters (N = 23).
• The results of the multiple cohort study show that, on average,
youngsters who participated longer in youth work scored significantly higher on the outcome variables. Respondents did not show individual
improvements on outcome variables over the period of 16 months, but the results demonstrate a cautious positive trend over time in volunteering.
Referring youngsters (33%) by youth workers to care services could prevent an exacerbation of existing problems.
• Through the identification of four patterns, the multiple case study reveal that a multi-methodic youth work approach does contribute to the
expansion of the social network of youngsters, developing life skills,
strengthening school performance and work opportunities, and improving their health and well-being.
• Youth workers tailor a multi-method approach to the specific needs and developmental issues faced by youngsters and interact with the social environment during the process (parents and/or formal institutions). If youth workers collaborate constructively with the environment, the
developmental process of youngsters can be accelerated.
• All individual methodical principles were longitudinally associated with one or more outcome . The strongest associations were observed with regard to prosocial skills and civic participation. Depending on the outcome
measure, methodical principles seem to be more effective for boys, for
youngsters who participate for 3 years or longer in youth work settings and for youngsters between 10 and 19 years old. With regard to the effect of
methodical principles on improving self-mastery, 9 of the 12 principles
appeared to play no positive role in increasing self-mastery of youngsters.
FINDINGS
Socially vulnerable youngsters (aged 10 to 24)
Outcomes that could prevent individual and social
problems
Strengthening of prosocial skills
Increasing self-mastery
Reinforcement of the social network
Enhancement of civic
participation (volunteering and organizing activities) Referring youngsters to additional social or health services
Multi-methodic youth work approach
Combination of four youth work methods:
1. Detached youth work 2. Social group work 3. Individual guidance
4. Information and advice services
Methodic principles
1. Meaningful relationship
2. Engagement with the life world 3. Adapting to the needs of
youngsters
4. Learning by doing 5. Proximity
6. Drawing on strengths
7. Collaboration with the social environment
8. Practical assistance 9. Working with rules 10. Rewarding
11. One-on-one contact 12. Peer support
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND POLICY
This research shows policy makers that a multi-methodical approach meets the varied needs and developmental issues of socially vulnerable youngsters and
contributes to strengthening their own sense of responsibility, the reinforcement of their social network, enhancement of participation, and the timely finding of
appropriate care to reduce more expensive longer term costs or the need for (specialized) social care.
The results can be used by youth workers to improve the support of socially vulnerable youngsters in their personal development and social participation.
References:
• Sonneveld, J., Metz, J., Schalk, R., & Van Regenmortel, T., (under revision). Professional youth work as a preventive service: toward an integrated conceptual framework.
• Sonneveld, J., Rijnders, J., Metz, J., Van Regenmortel, T., & Schalk, R. (2020). The contribution of professional youth work to the development of socially vulnerable youngsters: a multiple case study. Children and Youth Services Review, 118, [105476]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105476
• Sonneveld, J., Metz, J., Manders, W., Schalk, R., & Van Regenmortel, T. (accepted). The contribution of professional youth work to the personal development and social participation of socially vulnerable youngsters: A Dutch longitudinal cohort study.
• Sonneveld, J., Metz, J., Manders, W., Schalk, R., & Van Regenmortel, T. (under review). Influence of methodical principles in professional youth work on prevention-focused outcomes: A longitudinal analysis
