Researching Professionals working with Youth at Risk

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

This panel circles around a research project that is currently taking place in collaboration between the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in The Netherlands and Avans University. The ultimate goal of the research project is to improve the early identification and approach of at-risk youth.

Although in the end the result of the research is aimed at the youths, we focus primarily on the professionals who work with young people, including youth- and social workers, police officers, parole officers, and school attendance officers.

For this research project a methodology is under development comprising classical qualitative instruments like interviewing and participative observation combined with elements from action learning research and appreciative inquiry. The panel will discuss this methodology and position it in a broader framework of qualitative research.

Sub Unit

• Area VII. Methodology

Individual Presentations

• Action Research with At-Risk Youth in the US: Lessons Learned. - Michael P. Brown, Ball State University

• Research by Professionals - Judith van de Belt, Stimulans Welfare, Veldhoven; Sjaak Khonraad, Avans University

Chair

• Emile Kolthoff, Open University Netherlands

Discussant

• Emile Kolthoff, Open University Netherlands