Quite simply the orientation and approach of the new Service runs counter to the sort of thinking and practice that has been central to open youth work . These are not qualities that generally appeal to the current crop of policymakers. Connexions also threatens to rob youth work organizations of state resources for such work. We start by briefly listing six key issues. Focusing on the individual rather than on the development of association.
Connexions looks to the individual rather than the group.
It may use groups to try to get its message across and to change people, but is not essentially concerned with the development of groups. The target is changes in the behaviour of individuals whether this concerns attending school or college, raising educational achievement or avoiding pregnancy and drug abuse. There is little interest in association as a core aim. The strategy does not prioritize enhancing the ability of groups to be together, explore, define and organize around their own interests and concerns. Looking to problem young people rather than young people as a whole.