Abstract:
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.
