CONNECTIONS, DISCONNECTIONS AND RECON-NECTIONS – the social dimension of youth work, in history and today The relationship between youth work and social work in Sweden Björn Andersson Department of social work University of gothenburg sweden

‘Youth work’ in Sweden? There is of course youth work in Sweden, but the term is not much used as a general categorization. Few would say that they are ‘youth workers’ in a sense that connects them to a collective professional identity. There are no books written about ‘youth work’ and no courses are taught in this subject. People would rather say that they ‘work with young people’ and then specify by using the organizational setting were they work, the group of young people they work with or a certain tradition of youth work (or social work). However, there is a national youth policy governing all state efforts directed to youth and the policy is often adopted by the municipalities.

Associations A tradition of autonomy and young people's self-organization with roots in the social structures of rural society and which later has developed primarily into associations. By time these have come to be increasingly adult led. A huge variety of activities, which mostly engage volunteers. There are, however, a number of organization that also employ professional workers. Many of these associations get financial support from the public system.

Activity-orientation A tradition of activity-oriented youth work starting out from young people's leisure time and the social rituals and cultural expressions connected to young people’s everyday lives. Often with participatory qualities (or at least ambitions). Normally organized in special localities, many times quite well equipped, and focusing on young people in the local area. This is for example youth clubs, leisure-time centres and activity centres. Sometimes these are aimed at specific target groups, e.g. young people with functional variety. Usually run by the municipalities with employees having training as ‘recreation and leisure-time’ leaders (2 years at ‘folk high schools’).

Outreach A tradition of outreach work performed in environments where young people gather and includes activities at all levels: individual, group and neighbourhoods. Most of the employees have a 3.5-year university degree in social work (the ‘socionom-exam’), but also persons with the leisure-time leader education are recruited to these positions.

Investigative A tradition of investigative, support- and treatment-oriented social work based on the reports regarding crime, abuse, truancy, family problems etc. Handled by the municipal social welfare offices and implemented individually or together with the family. Almost all social workers in this field have a university degree in social work. There are also social workers in certain organisations like school. In general this is a very regulated and reactive work, but the welfare offices may also organize preventive efforts.

Residential A tradition of working with young people in residential and foster care. This has long historical roots, but has declined in recent years in favour of less intrusive solutions. Organized by the state, the municipalities or by private initiatives. Those who work there have often a quite diverse background. There are many with a degree in social work, but those who work most directly with young people often have a shorter education. Here is a link to social pedagogy and for many years there was a specific training for social pedagogues. Since 15 years back this is incorporated in the social work university education.

Therapeutic A therapeutically treating-oriented tradition linked to youth psychiatry, youth receptions and private-owned therapeutic organizations. Also efforts like the Mini-Marias, which offer support and treatment to young people with drug-related problems. People with university education, usually in psychology or social work, with additional therapeutic training. The psychodynamic tradition is strong, but cognitive methodology has increased in recent years.

What is youth work? Mainly the activity-oriented and outreach sectors, but also parts of what associations do. The other sectors would predominantly see themselves as social workers. Parts of the therapeutic sector rather connect to a therapeutic community. Probably, Sweden has got a comparatively wide concept of social work. Social work was established as a university discipline in 1977 and is seen as an overarching concept in relation to social pedagogy and youth work.

Connections and disconnections What connects and disconnects? Most dimensions work both ways. Tasks and structure of work Theory and methodology informing practice Organizational belonging Ideology, e.g. concerning drug policy Educational background

General or targeted? One issue in youth work has for a long time been if efforts should be targeted towards certain social problems or be more general in scope. The tendency during the last years has been in favour of more narrow and specialised efforts. This has been supported by demands on proof of efficiency and making use of evidence-based methods. There are still general efforts initiated, but they are to a large degree organized within the activity-oriented sector.

Working hours in contact with young people One tendency, especially in the youth social work sector, is the diminishing working hours actually spent in direct contact with young people. A recently made study among social workers working with children and youth in investigative sector, showed that 15% of their work time was spent in direct contact with children, young people and their parents. Time spent on documentation was 35%. A similar study I made a couple of years ago on how outreach workers in Gothenburg spent their working hours, showed and average of 42% in direct contact with young people (29% outreach and 13% organized activities). No doubt, the sectors forming the main part of ‘youth work’ in Sweden spend, in comparison to the ‘social work’ sector, a lot more time having direct interaction with young people.