Asset-based youth support—reclaiming the roots of youth work at the Foyer Federation

Abstract

Evolutionary systems theory is widely accepted as the organising principle for life sciences. In more recent years it has also been applied to economics, culture, language, and leadership. In this paper we argue that services for young people need to evolve from deficit discourses to asset-based practices. The argument for asset-based work with young people will be presented through the lens of one organisation, the Foyer Federation who were developing asset-based service design. The findings of a systematic literature review are presented to demonstrate the scope and impact of current asset-based initiatives globally. The assumptions and activities of deficit and asset-based approaches are contrasted with use of cultural-historical activity theory. These findings are synthesised with the developmental work of the Foyer Federation to explicate the philosophy and practice of asset-based work with young people. The findings and implications are drawn out to inform others practice and research.

Keywords:

• assets
• youth work
• housing
• impact

Public Interest Statement

Much of the services focused on supporting young people treats them as “broken” and in need of “fixing”. This paper proposes an asset-based approach that treats young people as capable and able of solving their own issues with appropriate support. A case study of the development of asset-based work in the Foyer Federation in the UK is presented. The theoretical overview and practical ideas of how to plan asset-based services will be helpful to anyone supporting human development in its widest sense. An asset-based approach is suggested to empower people, allow authentic power relationships, and has potential to save state money and achieve effective outcomes. The asset-based approach has a range of implications for the ways services are planned, delivered, managed and evaluated that are discussed in practical terms to support organisations considering the approach.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kaz Stuart

Kaz Stuart is Principal Lecturer in the Department of Health, Psychology and Social Science at the University of Cumbria leading undergraduate and postgraduate work in youth and community work, mental health, cognitive behaviour therapy and work with children, young people and families. As associate professor for Child, Adolescent and Family Studies Kaz supports interdisciplinary practice based research within and between organisations and promotes the use of socially just research methods. Kaz also has a keen interest in evidencing the impact of youth work in ways that contribute to the young person as much as the organisation supporting them and works closely with the Centre for Youth Impact. Kaz has a wide professional background including primary, secondary and higher education teaching, youth work, social care, outdoor education, and research all as a practitioner, manager and leader.