Urban Youth Workers' Use of Personal Knowledge in Resolving Complex Dilemmas of Practice

• NCJ Number: 244304
• Journal: Child and Youth Services Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2013 Pages: 267-289
• Author(s): Laurie Ross
• Date Published: September 2013
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article argues that youth worker expertise in part is based on personal knowledge derived from childhood neighborhood-based peer groups and participation in youth programs.

Abstract

Using narrative inquiry to analyze accounts of how two experienced youth workers handled the potential for gun violence in their organizations, this article argues that youth worker expertise in part is based on personal knowledge derived from childhood neighborhood-based peer groups and participation in youth programs. Expert youth workers draw on personal and professional craft knowledge and move between the rules of youth organizations and the rules of the streets to read people and situations and address the potential for serious violence. Implications for youth worker professional development are raised. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.