The role of detached youth work in creating safety for young people in public spaces

Abstract

This briefing paper discusses the benefits and limitations of detached youth work provision in creating safety for young people in public spaces. It forms part of a programme of work by the MsUnderstood Partnership to assist the development of local responses to peer-on-peer abuse. The briefing considers unique features of detached youth work; whether workers enhance young people’s safety in public spaces and transform the spaces themselves; factors that constrain the impact of detached youth work; and implications of the findings on safeguarding and commissioning.