Managing the tensions.

The government has recognised the capacity of youth work to address a range of social problems that impact upon young people. This had led to increased expectations that youth workers will make a contribution to policy objectives. Youth workers are also subject to expectations from their professional values, the young people they work with and the wider community. These are often complementary to their expectations of other workers. These expectations can cause conflict and overlapping tensions. Practitioners need to interpret these policy tensions and develop their work in their own and context specific ways. This approach relies on being a ‘principled pragmatist’: being both practical and realistic and committed to professional values and principles. Youth workers and managers need to be clear about and stand up for their approach and values and ensure that youth work is understood and used appropriately