With the proposed development of the ′youth professional′ and the consolidation of graduate professional qualifications, this is an important time for youth work. This book sets out the current state of debate about youth work for those considering, or about to embark on, a degree course. Contemporary debates in youth work are explored, and help to give students a sense of its history and its future contribution. By combining the experience of its editors and the contemporaneous experience of the voices of contributors, this book provides an excellent introduction to work as a youth worker in the twenty-first century.

"The book attempts the almost impossible task of answering the question: what is youth work? It provides a thorough observation of the diversity and ever-changing nature of contemporary youth work, enriched by an interesting history. This is achieved via language the layman can understand, whilst managing to stimulate debate for current and future practitioners." (Training Team, Wrexham Youth Service)

Janet Batsleer is Principal Lecturer and Head of Youth and Community Work at Manchester Metropolitan University. Bernard Davies has been a teacher, youth worker, youth officer and tutor on courses for teachers, social workers and youth workers and is now an independent consultant focusing on youth work and youth policies. He is visiting professor at Leicester De Montfort University and a trustee of the Muslim Youth Work Foundation and 42nd Street, a young people’s mental health resource in Manchester. His publications include a three-volume History of the Youth Service in England and Youth work: A manifesto for the times.