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“a planned programme of education designed for the purpose of aiding and enhancing the personal and social development of young persons through their voluntary participation, and which is complementary to their formal, academic or vocational education and training; and provided primarily by voluntary youth work organisations.” (Youth Work Act, 2001)
This definition clearly articulates youth work as being educational and elective, structured and systematic.
Youth work engages young people from 10-24 yrs, at a significant period in terms of both development and duration. Therefore as an educational methodology, it is in a pivotal position to contribute to the educational welfare of young people. Youth work is predicated on the voluntary participation of young people. Flexibility of approach and emphasis on the interpersonal, enables it to offer an educational process complementary to that provided through formal education.
In addition, Youth work often acts as the point of contact and referral in the interface with other youth- related issues spanning the realms of care, health, and welfare.
The stimulation of critical reflection and action facilitates the cultivation of active citizenship and the enhancement of sustainable personal and social competencies and capacities. Thus, Youth work has a defined position on the continuum of educational and lifelong learning provision.
For the purpose of the Act, a young person means a person who is under the age of 25 years. Particular regard is given to young people between the ages of 10 and 21 and to those who are socially or economically disadvantaged.
