Knowledge of how professional youth work might prevent individual and social problems in socially vulnerable youngsters is poorly developed. This article presents a conceptual framework that clarifies the implicit methodical process used by professional youth workers and focuses on what stakeholders regard as the potential of professional youth work as a preventive service. A qualitative research synthesis approach was used to combine the findings of six practice-based studies conducted in six European countries. This synthesis revealed that professional youth workers employ a multi-methodic approach in their prevention efforts, strengthening the social skills and self-mastery of youngsters, reinforcing their social network, enhancing their civic participation and helping them find additional social or health services. Twelve methodic principles were identified as contributing to achieving these prevention efforts, shedding light on the process taking place between youngsters and youth workers. This conceptual framework provides essential information for future evaluation research.
The relevance of professional youth work for preventionProfessional youth work is one of the social work professions. Dutch municipalities need insight into the contribution of professional youth work to prevention and reduction of youth care. In this paper we analyze data collected between 2011-2015 on the functioning and results of four classic youth work methods: ‘Group work’, ‘Detached Youth Work’, ‘Information and Advice’ and ‘Counselling Services’. The studies were explorative and have been analyzed with descriptive statistics. We conclude that the contribution of professional youth work can be: (1) to form an alternative for a significant other and/or positive peer groups in the neighborhood; (2) to strengthen the self-awareness and forethought of young people; (3) to strengthen the societal and economic participation of young people; and (4) to target institutions. Effect-research is needed to determine the actual contribution.
Op donderdagmiddag 16 december presenteerde Pieter van der Hoeven, associate lector Finance & Accounancy bij het Business Research Centre (BRC), de ervaringen uit de kenniswerkplaats Duurzame financiering. De afgelopen vijf jaar deed hij daar samen met tien collega's, onderzoekers en docenten, en met tweehonderd studenten onderzoek voor ruim vijftig ondernemers naar manieren om geld te verdienen in de duurzame economie. Aan de hand van enkele aansprekende voorbeelden benoemt hij de moeilijkheden en mogelijkheden. In het algemeen ziet Pieter dat er veel interesse is voor de toenemende verdienkansen bij duurzame innovaties. Helaas zijn de financiële risico's vaak groter ten opzichte van minder duurzame alternatieven. Ondernemers die enthousiast zijn over verduurzaming en ervan overtuigd zijn dat hun innovatie zich in principe terugverdient, zijn soms niet bedacht op die extra risico's. Dan krijgen zij hun ideeën helaas toch niet gefinancierd. Hogescholen kunnen samen met studenten voorkomen dat zulke kansen bij duurzame innovaties gemist worden.
