ABSTRACT
In the classic movie “ Modern Times,” Charlie Chaplin finds himself both enthusiastic and disenchanted with his working world. What seemed in the beginning to hold promise and fulfillment turned confusing and even hostile. Much has changed since then. Our modern times in the world of work has been influenced by several powerful trends. To interpret how the maturing child and youth work profession fits within the flow of work trends, this
chapter will first examine a few of the most powerful trends and explain their effect on child and youth work service delivery today. Then, as an attempt to look through a window into the future, this chapter will analyze the child and youth care work context in order to suggest the most useful organizational structures that will maximize future quality of care and worker satisfaction. This chapter plots a trajectory of development and suggests methods to keep on target. Our modern times also promise fulfillment and excitement. Ideas on how to maintain the momentum may help the field from taking a different turn.
