Defining Detached Youth Work and a Typology of Street Based Youth Work in England

Detached youth work in England requires clearer definitions to support practitioners, young people, and stakeholders. Funding cuts and shifts from universal to targeted provision diminish opportunities to engage young people in the third space. This paper aims to clarify practice and develop a typology of street-based youth work. Using mixed-methods data from an online survey of 32 practitioners and semi-structured interviews with three detached youth workers, the research analyses defining elements of detached, outreach, mobile and (street) project work. Findings reiterate the importance of clarity to prevent role misunderstanding and support staff training, development, management, and funder expectations.