Managing the Soul, Rhythms and Blues of Child and Youth Care

Authors

  • Leon Fulcher Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand

Abstract

The knowledge base that underpins child and youth care work is introduced through the device of a musical metaphor and six voices that impact on responsive practice with children, young people and their families. The Soul of child and youth care practice is established through the minimum guarantee of physical safety and security, and through attending to bodily comforts, routines and preferences. Rhythms of pro-active caring build through developmental patterns that are demonstrated by each child or young person in care, each different in his/her own special way. The Blues of child and youth care are recorded in each social history and care order, about feelings of personal and cultural safety, about stark emotions, about risk-taking and acting out, and about self-mutilation or escape. All six voices pose implications for child and youth care workers "Celebrating the Legacy of Caring in a Millenium of New Commitment." Sometimes the less we know, the more complicated it can sound; and the more we know, the more we know what we don't know.

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Published

2001-03-01

How to Cite

Fulcher, L. . (2001). Managing the Soul, Rhythms and Blues of Child and Youth Care. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 15, 30–49. Retrieved from http://acycpjournal.pitt.edu/ojs/jcycw/article/view/291

Issue

Section

Keynote Presentations