Author Description

This report presents the results of an 18-month research project that studied the effectiveness of youth work with vulnerable young people. The research, representing six distinct geographical areas of Scotland characterized by disadvantage, focused on young people aged 13 to 16. In each neighborhood, the project examined the experiences of young people and youth work service providers that serve vulnerable young populations. The areas included inner city areas, smaller towns, and rural areas. In each locale, questionnaires were completed (nearly 1,200 in all) and focus groups were held with students in local secondary schools. It was evident from the way that young people used their leisure time that the transition from organized activities for groups to more casual leisure activities can increase vulnerability. Organized youth work had the greatest appeal for those under age 14; older adolescents tended to "hang around" with friends. About half the girls and 6 in 10 of the boys were currently involved in some sort of youth club or activity, with participation decreasing with age. Membership in such organizations was less common among these disadvantaged adolescents than for a nationally representative sample reported by other researchers. Survey findings showed that the most vulnerable youth were the least likely to participate in organized activities, and current membership in a youth group was not associated of itself with a reduction in risk. Attending a youth club, however, meant less time spent on the street which in turn could indirectly reduce risk. In most areas there was extensive and varied provision for young people, but it was difficult to determine the extent of programming and the extent of use. Suggestions, many centering on financial support, are made for meeting the needs of youth programs in Scotland. Four appendixes contain questionnaires, a youth service group involvement grid, and a schedule of youth work providers. (Contains 14 figures, 31 ta