This valuable textbook communicates the complexities and controversies at the heart of youth work management, exploring key issues in a critical fashion. Written by a team of experienced youth work lecturers, the chapters cover topics such as planning, evaluation and supervision, whilst acknowledging the changing structures of integrated services and the impact of public service reform.
Divided into three sections, it covers:
Historical and theoretical context
Critical practice issues, including leadership, policy constraints, planning and accountability
Managing in different settings, for instance integrated services and the voluntary sector.
Aimed at both youth work students studying for their professional qualification, as well as practicing managers, Critical Issues in Youth Work Management encourages critical thinking about what management in youth work is and what it can be. It includes reflective questions and further reading, and case studies are integrated throughout.
Introduction Part 1: The Context of Youth Work Management 1. From Advice to Management: The Arrival of Youth Workers' Accountability 2. The Neo-Liberal Policy Context of Youth Work Management 3. 'Theories' of Youth Work Management Part 2: Critical Issues in the Practice of Youth Work Management 4. On Managerial Discourses, Cultures and Structures 5. Are Youth Work Leaders Free to Lead? An Exploration of the Policy Constraints 6. Planning: For Opportunities Not Outcomes 7. Evaluation: Ensuring Accountability or Improving Practice? 8. Re-Balancing Supervision 9. Managing Centre-based Youth Work 10. Towards an 'Intelligence-based' Approach to Detached Youth Work Management Part 3: The Settings of Youth Work Management 11. Managing Youth Work in Integrated Services 12. The Management of Faith-based Youth Work 13. Managing in the Voluntary Sector: The Particular Challenges of Managerialism
