Vulnerable Target Groups in Youth Work
Course code
TPN5649.HR
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Haavatavad sihtrühmad noorsootöös
Course title in English
Vulnerable Target Groups in Youth Work
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2024/2025 Spring semester
Ilona-Evelyn Rannala (language of instruction:Estonian)
lecturer of 2025/2026 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
The course provides an overview of the theoretical basis of working with vulnerable target groups. Links are made between the objectives of youth policies and youth work and important concepts: social inclusion vs exclusion, protection, speaking on behalf of someone, empowerment, emancipation, resilience, network and case work. The subject provides knowledge and experience with:
- vulnerable target groups and opportunities to support them in youth work:
- young people with special needs due to disabilities;
- young people with mental health problems;
- young people with fewer opportunities who are at risk or are offenders;
- LGBT youth;
- ethnic minorities, young people from refugee families, etc.
The course introduces practical activities, methods and successful interventions through which vulnerable young people participating in youth work can be supported. The student acquaints themselves with the work of different organisations. The student analyses how to adapt youth work activities so as to be suitable for everyone and support the adaptation of young people in vulnerable groups to youth work, avoiding ostracism and marginalisation in doing so. How to raise the motivation and willingness of youth in vulnerable target groups and provide them with opportunities to participate in decision-making on their own life, in the community, including in youth work and in society more broadly.
- vulnerable target groups and opportunities to support them in youth work:
- young people with special needs due to disabilities;
- young people with mental health problems;
- young people with fewer opportunities who are at risk or are offenders;
- LGBT youth;
- ethnic minorities, young people from refugee families, etc.
The course introduces practical activities, methods and successful interventions through which vulnerable young people participating in youth work can be supported. The student acquaints themselves with the work of different organisations. The student analyses how to adapt youth work activities so as to be suitable for everyone and support the adaptation of young people in vulnerable groups to youth work, avoiding ostracism and marginalisation in doing so. How to raise the motivation and willingness of youth in vulnerable target groups and provide them with opportunities to participate in decision-making on their own life, in the community, including in youth work and in society more broadly.
Brief description of the course
The theoretical basis of working with vulnerable target groups: critical theories, crisis theories, system theories, ecological models and the perspective of human rights in the context of youth policy and youth work. Important concepts in working with vulnerable young people: social inclusion vs exclusion, protection, speaking on behalf of oneself, empowerment, emancipation, resilience, network and case work. Vulnerable target groups (young people) in Estonian society. The content of youth work with vulnerable target groups and the challenges and ethical principles related to it are analysed. The aims and tasks that lead a youth worker's actions according to a particular target group's peculiarities and special needs. Planning and carrying out activities and cooperating with other specialists. Successful and evidence-based programmes and interventions.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- knows the theoretical basis and concepts of working with vulnerable target groups and associates them with youth policies and youth work;
- knows successful intervention methods in working with vulnerable target groups, as well as the principles of network and case works;
- understands the possibilities of involving and empowering vulnerable youth groups;
- analyses the role of (a) youth work(er) and ethical considerations in working with vulnerable target groups;
- demonstrates willingness to motivate vulnerable young people to participate in youth work and the community.
- knows the theoretical basis and concepts of working with vulnerable target groups and associates them with youth policies and youth work;
- knows successful intervention methods in working with vulnerable target groups, as well as the principles of network and case works;
- understands the possibilities of involving and empowering vulnerable youth groups;
- analyses the role of (a) youth work(er) and ethical considerations in working with vulnerable target groups;
- demonstrates willingness to motivate vulnerable young people to participate in youth work and the community.
Teacher
Ilona-Evelyn Rannala, PhD
Study programmes containing that course