(Irish Association of Social Workers, 1999-11) Jenkinson, Hilary
This article explores the processes involved in adolescent development and the implications for social workers in engaging and working effectively with this client group. Working with teenagers can be both a challenging and rewarding process. This paper highlights the importance of investing the time, energy, and resources into, building relationships with young people; listening to them; involving them in decision making; empowering them; and adequately preparing them for independent living. Practice which reflects these principles will contribute to, and compliment, the natural developments which occur during the young person’s journey through adolescence.
