Reflection Circles: Professional Development and Accountability for Youth Workers

Authors

  • Shaina Beth Abraham

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2017.479

Abstract

This article explores how to support Youth Workers and ensure accountability through the use of reflection circles.  Youth Workers report having a higher sense of responsibility in their work than is often required of them. This article proposes a model that includes youth, youth workers, employers, intermediaries, and funders in a process to strengthen the abilities of all youth workers.  A holistic approach to supporting Youth Workers through reflection circles will ensure they are getting the support they need to improve and continuing to build their sense of responsibility, replacing the need for traditional accountability systems.

References

Ayers, K. (2005, February). Creating a Responsible Workplace. HR Magazine , 50 (2).

Council on Accreditation. (2017). After School and Youth Development. Retrieved January 10 2017, from Council on Accreditation: http://coanet.org/standard/cyd-ayd/5/

Denissen Cunnien, K. (2012). It's complicated: Crafting a system to support youth work. Retrieved from: http://web.augsburg.edu/sabo/Walkabout/It's-Complicated.pdf

Fusco, D. (2012). Working in youth service organizations: The sphere of professional education. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, Extension Center for Youth Development.

Mayeroff, M. (1972). On Caring. New York, NY: HarperPerennial.

Thomas, L. (2016). Edutopia: Why Representation Matters. Retrieved January 3, 2017. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-representation-matters-laura-thomas

Walker, K., & Gran, C. (2010). Beyond Core Competencies: Practitioner Expertise as a Critical Component of Quality. University of Minnesota, Extension Center for Youth Development, Minneapolis.

Walker, J., & Walker, K. (2012). Establishing Expertise in an Emerging Field. In D. Fusco (Ed.), Advancing Youth Work: Current Trends, Critical Questions (pp. 39-51). New York, NY: Routledge.

Downloads

Published

2017-04-04