Youth workers are not teachers, parents, police officers or social workers. Their role as adults has no statutory authority or official power. Youth workers operate on young people’s terms: the nature of the relationship is entirely voluntary. The best practice includes that ability to engage with many young people – especially those most marginalised or alienated or at risk – to gain their confidence and work alongside them. It is that unique approach that can give a skilled youth worker tremendous strength in developing relationships with young people, which other professionals may not be
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