Reflective Portfolio: Working with Young People and Communities

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Preparation for working in communities
A Reflective Portfolio
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TOC
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Introduction – 300
Learning Journey – 1000
Reflective Knowledge
Engage with young people – 500
In order to work with young people, as a social or community worker, I need to consider the
social learning theory because it states that children or young individuals tend to learn by
observing their surroundings (Akers and Jennings, 2015). In order to establish a functional
relationship with the young people, I have realised that communication is an essential tool
(Zastrow, 2016). Therefore, I should be competent enough to engage the young minds in a
conversation. In this manner, I shall be able to make a positive impact upon their lives. In
recent times, the importance of “face-to-face” approach is considered important. While
dealing with young people, I should also consider the various ways by which communication
takes place. It has been understood that young people does not like to express their opinions
in a “linear way”.
However, in order to deal with such people, formal assessments and gathering of evidences
are necessary. Consequently, when social or community workers are not able to interpret the
feelings of the young people, then they might become distressed.
Additionally, it should be noted that inappropriate communication techniques might
negatively affect the young people. From my own practice, I have understood that “heavy
caseloads” or inefficiency of administrative staff might have negative outcomes. It has been
understood that I might also become emotionally distressed while managing these problems.
In order to deal with the children effectively, I need to gather extensive knowledge regarding
protection of young and vulnerable people.
Further, while communicating with young children, I also need to allow children to speak.
Hence, active listening skills will be necessary for effective practice. For instance, while
conducting home visits, I need to spend quality time with not only the children but also with
their parents. A time span of approximately 15-20 minutes will be appropriate. A social or
community worker needs to increase the confidence levels of those children by staying close
to them (Thompson, 2015).
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Furthermore, while dealing with young people (4-5 years), I have understood that there are
certain factors that facilitate communication. I have understood the importance of using “play
materials” while dealing with young people. Moreover, young people tend to have their own
space and they are less likely to open up in front of strangers. Hence, as a social or
community worker, I have always focussed upon building rapport and a relationship where
the children would feel protected or safeguarded.
In future, I would like to work as a youth case manager because it will give me further
opportunities to conduct counselling sessions and develop “long-term” treatment plans. As a
case manager, I shall be able to understand the educational, emotional and social needs of the
young people. I would further have the opportunity to provide patient education. Here, I will
teach the parents regarding the needs of the child and reasons behind his/her mood swings.
Apart from educating the parents, I will have the opportunity of assisting the child directly.
Here, the child can be taught various “coping strategies” in order to maintain overall
wellbeing.
Engage with local community – 400
Build working relationships and networks- 450
Challenges – 200
Conclusion- 150
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Reference List
Zastrow, C., 2016. Empowerment Series: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare:
Empowering People. Cengage Learning.
Thompson, N., 2015. Understanding social work: Preparing for practice. Macmillan
International Higher Education.
Akers, R.L. and Jennings, W.G., 2015. Social learning theory. The Handbook of
Criminological Theory, 4, p.230.
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