Policy, practice and research in work with young people

In recent years there have been significant shifts in the landscape of work with young people. These have followed changes in policy, in social and economic conditions and in the knowledge base through which we understand young people. This chapter examines some of these changes, drawing attention to their implications for practice and practitioners. In particular it points up the tendency to view young people as ‘at risk’, either to themselves or others, as a driver for changes in policy and practice.