Working with boys and girls

Smith, M. and Steckley, L. (2005) Working with boys and girls. In: Secure in the Knowledge: Perspectives on Practice in Secure Accommodation. University of Strathclyde, pp. 172-180. ISBN 190074323X

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Abstract

Whilst most people who come into contact with boys and girls in any capacity wouldattest to some differences in the ways they behave and in how they are respondedto, the whole area of gender difference is not one that has been developed much insocial work thinking. Part of the reason for this is understandable from an ideologicalstandpoint.Effective child care requires that practitioners work with the equal but differentneeds of boys and girls. In this, a balance must be struck between understandingdifference (in order to help) and perpetuating stereotypes. Staff need to consider theindividual needs and preferences of young people rather than responding to themsolely as boys or girls.