The Possibility of Promoting User Participation in Working with High-Risk Youth

Abstract

Advocacy for promoting user participation in the helping process of social work has been reported in the literature since the 1970s, but the practicality of the concept for different clienteles of social work has been rarely explored. This paper presents a recent qualitative study on exploring the applicability of user participation in work with high-risk youth in the streets who are usually regarded as immature and low in both self-confidence and the ability to make the 'right' decisions. The findings of the study support the promotion of the concept of user participation in working with high-risk youth. Positive changes and growth were observed among this group with the application of user participation in the helping process. Ways for promoting the implementation of this concept in work with high-risk youth are suggested.