Youth Work in Ireland: The Struggle for Identity

摘要: Hilary Jenkinson, Lecturer in Social Policy, Department of Applied Studies, University College Cork, Ireland. e-mail-Hjenkinson@ucc.ie This paper discusses the struggle youth work sector Ireland has experienced forming a conceptual and practicebased identity . Youth Irish context is relatively new discipline both theoretical practical terms its • deve~opment on ground been severely hindered by "the erratIc fitful evolution policies .. .insecure employment conditions, inadequate resources constant search for funding from bewildering array sources" (Gilligan 1991 p.89). article outlines some central principles that are fundamental to practice, identifies practice contexts which adhere these tenets. The provides an overview agencies with young people, locates voluntary within this broader context. Factors influencing development explored concludes brief outline background aims three organisations. 106 Journal Vol 2, No.2. 2000