The preventive role of professional youth workers in tackling financial scarcity among young people: providing an entry point to support

This study investigated the role of professional youth workers in tackling financial scarcity by identifying what preventive support services they deploy on this topic. Through an online survey, data were collected from the directors and managers of 15 professional youth work organizations operating locally. This was followed by desk research. As part of a work conference the outcomes were validated and refined with the help of focus groups. Subsequently, 31 preventive support services were identified and grouped according to three phases of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary). Substantial differences exist in the number and content of preventive support services tackling financial scarcity. They are often poorly embedded caused by differences in assignments from municipalities which are often temporary. However, all professional youth work organizations offer regular leisure activities, an important component of primary prevention, alongside the preventive support services offered. These activities are a central part of professional youth work and as such are often well embedded. They are usually free, promoting the personal and social participation of young people in vulnerable situations. They provide an entry point to young people with issues of financial scarcity, helping them overcome the barriers that prevent them from seeking help. In strengthening the preventive role professional youth workers play in tackling financial scarcity, it is recommendable for the youth-work sector to demonstrate the multifaceted function of the regular leisure activities, investing in national oversight for structural embeddedness of the prevention support services and in equipment of professional youth workers in tackling financial scarcity.