Introduction
Quality Handbook for International Youth Work 2.0 This quality handbook examines current societal and pro- fessional debates in the field of international and Euro- pean youth work, with specific emphasis on aspects such as inclusion and participation, low-resource action and sustainability, safeguarding and the long-term impact of exchange projects. The publication also responds to the recommendations of the research team accompanying the IJAB project IJA.digital 1 (2021-2022) ), focusing in par- ticular on digital elements. Not only do these elements open up new methodological options, they also deliver innovative ways to ensure cooperation in international settings. The handbook represents a thorough overhaul of the 2004 publication Quality Standards and Indicators for Inter- national Youth Wor k, which was drawn up by a working group comprising representatives of German youth or- ganisations under the auspices of IJAB. It inspired a large number of quality processes at national and international level.
Intended readership The handbook was designed as a tool for quality devel- opment to be used in international and European youth work as a way to respond to future challenges. It is aimed at child and youth services providers and experts in Ger- many and their international partners, to be read ideally after gathering some experience with international youth work formats. It also addresses other fields of work that offer, for example, work-related exchange programmes with young people. The publication provides guidance when evaluating the quality of existing projects, giving it visibility, and improving it even further. International youth work: Legal framework and basic principles International youth work forms part of child and youth ser- vices and is enshrined in Book 8 of Germany’s Social Code, also known as the Child and Youth Services Act. It follows that international youth work is managed in accordance with the same principles as child and youth services. It is a field of work in its own right within which professionals and volunteers alike create services and activities for all young people, as well as for experts.
1 Koschei, Franziska/Brüggen, Niels (2023). Digital Projects in International Youth Work. Final report of the scientific monitoring of the project “IYW.digital - International Youth Work.digital”. Munich: JFF - Institute for Media Research and Media Education.
4 — INTRODUCTION
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