This unit will assist students in identifying and appreciating the variety of values, theories and practice frameworks that are implicit and at work within the youth sector, particularly as they can be expressed through the not-for-profit sector, government, secular and Christian organisations. Students will be orientated to the youth sector through site visits, guest speakers, variety of policies, codes of practice and professional bodies that are influencing contemporary youth work in Australia. Students will be encouraged to understand the importance of youth sector awareness, networking and referral as these relate to the practice of youth work in service situations. The diversity and connectedness of the youth sector will be explored including some in-depth and close-up views of various components and services within the sector. Students will accordingly develop their skills in the practice of networking, referral and stakeholder consultation both through fleshing out a philosophical perspective, as well as beginning to establish professional awareness, relationships and links with individuals and organisations in the youth sector. Topics: + Youth work field of practice + Youth Sector + Youth work sites of intervention