Youth Work Strategy

Our Youth Work Strategy is the way that we do our work within the parameters of the Stages of Change and what values we see as important in doing youth work with at-risk youth who are in need of assistance. This work needs to be done in a purposeful way and with a strategy that works. The four pillars that make up our Youth Work Strategy; intensive one-on-one relationship building, peacemaking circles, formal curriculum driven facilitated workshops and relentless youth work.  

All four pillars of work with the youth are ways of using intervention as a method to address the very hard, yet very relevant issues that these youth struggle with on a daily basis such as substance abuse, domestic violence, sexuality, gang involvement etc. Our YOUCAN Youth Services Youth Workers use the strategies of one-on-one relationship building, peacemaking circles, workshops and relentless youth work to lead the youth towards commitments such as staying sober, staying away from certain parts of the city, working at exiting the gangs or getting up to be here on time.  As these young people come to terms with the complex roles, responsibilities and relationships in their lives, they are able to focus specifically on gaining the skills needed to improve their ability to go to work or access education. When the youth participant does see the bigger picture, he/she usually starts to move forward in his/her life, and although like all of us, the steps backwards may still exist from time to time, they become fewer and fewer.

To find out more please click on the Pillars below.

Pillar #1: Intensive One-on-One Relationship Building

Pillar #2: Peacemaking Circles

Pillar #3: Facilitated Workshops

Pillar #4: Relentless Youth Work