Dilemmas of Practice: Challenges to Program Quality Encountered by Youth Program Leaders

Quality youth programs are composed of well-trained and competent youth workers who regularly encounter challenging situations. Interview data from leaders and youth were used to investigate the types of challenging or "dilemma" situations youth leaders encountered and how each leader dealt with such situation. Results showed over 250 "dilemma situations" youth workers are confronted with while at work with youth. Future research may consider examining other ways youth leaders can be more effective in resolving various situations.