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Staff Development for the Youth Development Professionalm

A Critical Framework for Understanding the Work

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Joyce A. Walker

University of Minnesota

Marcia McFarland

Kansas State University

Despite escalating interest in positive youth development, there is little agreement on what comprises the actual "work" of youth development and even less on the role of staff development for youth workers. To strengthen professional practice and hence the quality of youth development programs, an understanding must be developed of the distinguishing features or the essential elements of positive youth development work and the ways in which these elements can best be communicated to the field through staff development. This article suggests a framework for critical reflection on practices that encourage community-based youth workers to explore and apply the lessons of positive youth development in their programs. The article discusses the experience of facilitating adult learning within this curriculum, the responses of participants, and the implications for the youth development field.

Key Words: youth development • staff development

Youth & Society, Vol. 35, No. 2, 204-225 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0044118X03255024


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