Evidence based comeback

"Babysitting doesn't usually involve creating and executing development programs, mentoring, and advocating for youth rights. Youth work is about empowering young people through education, support, and guidance. Young people have specific developmental and social needs, which they better address in the framework of supportive youth work.”

“Youth work facilitates learning and engagement by providing a non-formal learning environment. Through this, young people acquire various skills and competences.”

Supporting evidence:
According to a study by Jon Ord and others, which examined youth work across five European countries, young people learn different things in different contexts. However, a common core is present in all youth work settings. Through youth work, young people learn to:

• Relate to others, including peers and adults.
• Develop a sense of self, particularly by gaining confidence.
• Navigate transitions, both through school and into employment, as well as address challenges in their lives, thereby promoting social inclusion.
• Broaden their experiences through diverse activities and experiential learning opportunities.

Reference: Jon Ord. 2018. Chapter 13: A Comparison of Youth Work in England, Finland, Estonia, Italy and France By Jon Ord

Evidence based comeback

"Tell that to the countless young people who’ve been inspired, mentored, and supported into successful futures by youth workers. Youth work is grounded in evidence-based practices. Effective youth work leads to better outcomes in terms of education, employment, and mental health, ultimately reducing long-term public expenditure. Investing in youth work reduces future social costs by preventing issues such as unemployment and criminal behavior."

“Youth work addresses the challenges young people face in today’s society. Often, youth workers engage with young people experiencing difficult life situations, offering support through various activities.”

Supporting evidence:

According to Jolanda Sonneveld and her colleagues, youth work contributes to young people's lives in several important ways:

• By meeting new people, young people gain access to peer support.
• Through participation in youth work services, they develop essential life skills, such as self-responsibility, pro-social skills, and social-emotional skills.
• Youth work strengthens educational and career pathways by providing individual guidance.
• It also plays a significant role in improving the health and well-being of socially vulnerable young people.

Reference: Jolanda Sonneveld, Jeremy Rijnders, Judith Metz, Tine Van Regenmortel, René Schalk, The contribution of professional youth work to the development of socially vulnerable youngsters: A multiple case study, Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 118

Evidence based comeback

"Fun is just one part of it. Youth work encompasses personal and social development, education, career guidance, mental health support, and community engagement. Activities are often designed to build life skills and resilience, which are essential in different spheres of personal, social and professional life."

Supporting evidence:

Dr. Emma Davidson highlights that the impact of youth work stems from the accumulation of small interactions and is built on forming relationships with young people. Through these connections, youth work provides “a place to be, a place to make friends and new connections, a place of safety and belonging, and a source of community.” Davidson also emphasizes that youth work plays a vital role during critical moments in young people’s lives, often filling the gaps left by the broader service system.

Reference: The Power of Youth Work A Longitudinal Biographical Study. 2024.

Evidence based comeback

"Youth work involves carefully designed programs with clear goals, outcomes, and evaluation processes. It’s a structured profession built on the notion of partnering with young people and jointly outlining learning and developmental outcomes. Investing in structured youth programs has been shown to decrease dropout and criminal rates and improve civic and community engagement of young people."

“Youth work plays a significant role in the personal and social development of young people. Youth work activities foster pro-social behaviour and a sense of participation. Youth work interventions can lead to reductions in crime and antisocial behaviour, underscoring the tangible impact of our efforts. By collaborating with other professionals, youth workers can make a valuable contribution through youth-centred working methods.”

Supporting Evidence:

Kivijärvi et al. analysed the effects of school-based youth work. They found that it reduced bullying and improved students' perceived opportunities for participation and class spirit. They also noted that these effects are best achieved through long-term efforts, the integration of youth work into the daily school environment, and established structures for multidisciplinary cooperation.

Reference: Kivijärvi, A., Kiilakoski, T. & Kauppinen, E. (2024) Kouluhyvinvoinnin rakennuspalikoita – tutkimus nuorisotyön vaikutuksista yläkoulussa. [Building blocks of school well-being. A study on the impact of school-based youth work in upper secondary school]

Evidence based comeback

"Youth workers adhere to professional standards, ethics, and continuous training, just like other respected professions. Specificity for youth work is that youth workers could be voluntarily engaged and/or paid, however, the standards and ethics apply to all. Youth worker associations are leading the way in this respect."

Supporting evidence:

According to a study by Dr. Fyfe and others, youth work organizations are recognized as “friendly, fun, and safe environments that offer young people opportunities to express themselves and provide new experiences to learn and develop through structured educational and leisure activities.” These environments foster feelings of safety and self-worth. Young people also form friendships and improve their ability to interact positively with peers.

Reference: Fyfe, I., Biggs, H., Hunter, S., McAteer, J., & Milne, D. (2018). The Impact of Community-based Universal Youth Work in Scotland. A study commissioned by the Scottish Youth Work Research Steering Group, YouthLink Scotland.

Evidence based comeback

"Youth work embraces diversity, addressing the unique needs of young people from various backgrounds and communities. Programs are designed to be inclusive and culturally responsive."

“Youth work engages diverse groups of young people over time and adapts to their evolving needs. While some individuals may benefit from consistent engagement, the scope of youth work includes reaching out to new and marginalized groups. Programs often focus on inclusivity, targeting those at risk of exclusion, as well as fostering growth opportunities for young people who may not have previously accessed services.”

Supporting Evidence:

Research by Davies (2005) highlights that youth work is dynamic and flexible, evolving to meet the needs of new groups of young people as societal challenges change. Youth work is specifically designed to prevent exclusivity and ensure that a range of young people—regardless of background or previous engagement—can access its benefits.

Reference: Davies, B. (2005). "Youth Work: A Manifesto for Our Times." Youth & Policy, 88, 3-27.

Evidence based comeback

“Youth work is just as critical in rural areas as in urban ones. Young people in rural communities face unique challenges, such as social isolation, limited access to resources, and fewer educational or employment opportunities. Youth work in these contexts provides essential support, creating community ties, increasing access to services, and addressing mental health concerns often exacerbated by isolation.”

Supporting Evidence:

Research by Farrow and others (2005) shows that rural youth often face significant disadvantages in terms of service provision, and youth work programs are instrumental in bridging these gaps.

Reference: Farrow, A., and Tymms, P. (2005). "Rural Disadvantage: Implications for Youth Work." Journal of Youth Studies, 8(1), 45-58.

Evidence based comeback

“Youth work is not primarily about discipline but about empowering young people, building relationships, and fostering their personal, social, and emotional development. While boundaries and structure are important components of youth work, the primary focus is on enabling young people to develop their agency, autonomy, and positive decision-making skills.”

Supporting Evidence:

Jeffs and Smith (2010) emphasize that youth work centers on forming voluntary and trusting relationships with young people, rather than imposing authority or discipline. The emphasis is on creating spaces where young people feel safe to express themselves and learn.

Reference: Jeffs, T., & Smith, M. K. (2010). Youth Work Practice. Palgrave Macmillan.

Comeback

"Would you say the same about teachers or counselors? Youth workers undergo extensive training and education to effectively support young people. Some also hold degrees in youth work, or affiliated fields of social work, psychology, or education, and continue with professional development. Investing in qualified youth workers ensures better outcomes for young people and society."

Comeback

"Just like teaching and nursing, youth work is a dedicated profession with career paths, salaries, and professional development opportunities. It’s a field that requires passion, but also professionalism and expertise. Supporting youth workers as professionals ensures that they can make long-term, sustainable impacts on young people."

Comeback

"Many choose youth work out of passion and dedication to making a difference, not because it’s a fallback option. It’s a profession that attracts those committed to social change and youth empowerment."

Comeback

"While both professions aim to support people, youth work focuses specifically on the developmental needs and empowerment of young people. Specificity of trust and support relationship with young people is built around their needs and interests. Youth workers often engage in community-based programs and educational initiatives."

Comeback

“Youth work is political in the sense that it empowers young people to participate in society, influence decisions, and stand up for their rights. Supporting democracy, participation, and active citizenship is at the core of youth work – and that is political”

Comeback

“Youth work is an essential service. It supports education, mental health, employment, social inclusion, and democratic participation. Investing in youth work reduces long-term social costs and builds stronger communities. It is a necessity for a healthy society”

Comeback

"Effective youth work requires specific skills in communication, counseling, program planning, and youth engagement. It's a profession that combines empathy, strategic thinking, and deep knowledge of youth development. As in many other fields, talent without reflection, hard work and conscious efforts would not suffice."

Comeback

"While it can be rewarding, youth work also involves handling complex emotional, social, and developmental issues. It requires resilience, patience, and a deep understanding of youth psychology and pedagogy. Recognizing the challenges youth workers face justifies investing in their well-being and professional development."

Comeback

"While quite a few youth workers are young, age is not crucial. Actually believing in youth capacities, partnering with them and being curious about their unique perspectives is what matters. Diversity in age among youth workers provides a richer support system for young people. Experience and wisdom are invaluable in youth work, and youth workers of all ages bring unique strengths to the field."

Comeback

“Youth workers design activities in collaboration with young people to ensure they meet their unique and evolving needs. Each youth worker brings their own creativity, skills, and passion to the process, which influences the choice of methods, topics, and activities. As a result, youth work reflects both the individuality of the youth worker and the voices of the young people they support.”

“Youth workers are skilled at adapting their approaches to reflect the diverse and changing interests of young people. Rather than repeating the same activities, they tailor their methods to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Whether facilitating arts, sports, career development, mental health initiatives, or tech-based learning, youth workers keep their practices dynamic and relevant.”

Comeback

"Youth work encompasses supporting all young people in various aspects of their lives, not just those facing difficulties. Programs often focus on leadership, education, and community engagement. Funding diverse youth programs supports the overall development of the future workforce and community leaders."

Comeback

"Youth workers actively implement programs, advocate for policy changes, and directly engage with youth to make a tangible impact. Our work is action-oriented and results-driven."

Comeback

“Youth work has a ripple effect. By supporting one young person, you strengthen families, schools, communities, and societies. The impact goes far beyond the immediate participants.”

Comeback

“Youth work empowers all young people to realise their potential, not just those facing difficulties. While it plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable groups, it also provides opportunities for leadership, participation, and personal growth for every young person, regardless of background. It is about personal and social development, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities”

Comeback

"We do much more than organize activities. We mentor, educate, and advocate for young people, supporting them to consciously shape their futures. Our work involves long-term planning and strategic interventions. Recognizing youth workers' long-term role encourages investment in comprehensive youth development programs."

Comeback

"We're not here to police; we're here to empower, guide, and support young people in their personal and social development. Youth workers foster a trusting relationship where young people feel heard and valued. Effective youth work creates a supportive environment that can prevent future social issues, saving public funds in the long run "

Comeback

"We support youth in developing their own strengths and independence by providing opportunities for them to practice and develop in a safe environment. Our goal is to empower young people to become self-reliant and confident."

Comeback

“Youth work combines direct practice with advocacy. Youth workers are key in making young people’s realities visible to policymakers, ensuring that their voices shape decisions, services, and strategies. Advocacy is recognised as a core function of youth work by the European Youth Work Agenda and the ETS Competence Model, both of which highlight the need for youth workers to engage with policy and systems to strengthen opportunities for young people. Effective advocacy ensures youth work is recognised, resourced, and impactful.”