Debi Roker

Young People's Voluntary and Campaigning Activities as Sources of Political Education

The article begins by examining the predominant image of young people today as alienated, apathetic, and uninvolved in their communities. It is argued that any debate about participation and politics should consider young peoples involvement in voluntary and campaigning activities. Using data from a study of 1160 14-16 year-olds, it is shown that a considerable number of young people are involved in volunteering and campaigning, and also that these activities are influenced by gender, ethnicity, locality and the family. The article then explores the ways in which participation in volunteering and campaigning can promote the development of young peoples political knowledge, awareness and understanding. It is demonstrated that involvement in these activities affects young peoples political development in five ways, specifically in developing an understanding of the needs of different groups in society; a sense of influence over political and social events; a growing sense of party political differences a...

Challenging the Image: The involvement of young people with disabilities in volunteering and campaigning

Much of the debate about young people with disabilities focuses on the difficulties these young people experience and their needs in terms of service provision. Rarely is there a focus on the positive contribution that disabled young people themselves make to society. The paper describes research which aimed to highlight the contribution that young people with disabilities make to their communities, by focusing on their participation in volunteering and campaigning. A national survey of disabled young peoples participation was undertaken, as well as two case studies of particular projects. The paper describes the range of voluntary and campaigning activities being undertaken by young people with disabilities, highlights the effects of participation on the young people and those around them, and identifies issues for organisations wishing to enable more young people with disabilities to participate in this way.

Parenting in the Youth Justice Context

The introduction of a parenting order is one of a range of new initiatives contained in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Recognising the need for a review of research and practice in this field, the Youth Justice Board commissioned a study in early 1999 to identify key criteria for success in parenting education and support in the youth justice context. The present article summarises the conclusions of that report, outlining major research findings and pointing up areas where further work is needed. The parenting order is the subject of debate in parenting and criminal justice circles, with some practitioners considering its hybrid nature, combining compulsion with a supportive approach, as inappropriate. Others emphasise its positive effect in enhancing interest in parent support services. Whilst it is still too early to be clear about the impact of the parenting order, there is no doubt that its introduction has already led to the development of many new projects aimed at supporting parents of adolescent offenders. This article highlights the challenges posed by this exciting and controversial new area of work in the youth justice field.