Youth Work Ethics
- Howard Sercombe - Professor of Community Education, University of Strathclyde
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.
An excellent book which is key to those studying youth and community work programmes
Useful additional reading for Childhood and Youth students particualrly recognising the professionalism of youth work.
A great read for youth work students, gives a solid grounding in the ethical practice related to youth work.
Excellent book, very useful for Community and Youth Work FdSc
Sercombe works well through 3 sections in the book: The Youth Work Profession; Method and Theory; and Ethical Issues and Conflicts.
Beginning with an examination of the profession which fits well with current policy/funding debates, helping to form an identity and mandate for youth work despite policy, the second section moves on to an overview of current ethical epistemology, framed within postmodernity.
Sercombe then choses 13 practical topics to work through with an overview of the main themes within each. These topics are for the youth worker and agency rather than young people, for example the pursuit of funding, ethics of power and CPD.
Summary boxes make it easy to dip in and out of (and quote easily in essays!), and occasional worked examples bring it to life - though perhaps more of this would help.
He tries to take a neutral stance on issues, allowing the reader to define their own stance where appropriate.
All in all, a good introductory text to a broad range of theory and issues around the youth work profession.
A really excellent resource for community youth work students and practitioners. This book has a direct, no nonsense style which when coupled with the easily recognisable practice examples makes it very easy to read. Compact chapters and sections mean you can easily discover the issue you would like to explore. It will be included in several of our modules and in particular our practice/ placement elements of the course.
Well timed book which is accessable for students of all levels
A good overview of the field and a welcome addition to introductory texts in this area. Well presented and accessible for students.
Recommended to 2nd Year Early Childhood Education students in one module - have also shown this to Children & Young Peoples Workforce FdA.
this book is very welcome as it covers a range of important issues in some depth but in a way that is accessible for first year and other students.
I have recomended a few sections as essential reading to our students. These include:the chapters on Confidentiality and Boundaries. These 2 chapters provide key information for 1st year students before they embark on placements so that they can think about some of the important issues that might be problematic for them.
Other sections that are particularly useful include: chapter6 on ethical theories, chapter 13 on risk management, ch 15 on power and chapter 21 on self care. Lots of interesting ideas for reflection
