Importance of Play and Leisure Activity in Vulnerable Youth/Children

The importance of Play and leisure activity in working with vulnerable youth/children
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The importance of Play and leisure activity in working with vulnerable youth/children
"Vulnerability" or being "at-risk" poses a serious challenge to human populations, even more when children, youths and the elderly are concerned. The main point to focus on in this case is situation(s) wherein a person or persons rather are susceptible to the risk of actual or potential harm, or in some instances, suffer inaccessibility of vital needs and or resources to enable them cope with challenges in the environment (Burns, 2013). Vulnerable or at-risk individuals hence bear relatively reduced capability to contend with negative impacts from their environment and life in general.
As mentioned, vulnerability manifests in different groups of people. This paper however focuses on affected children and youth and how ‘play', as a therapeutic approach can be employed for desirable physical, psychological and socio-emotional development of this group of people (Burns, 2006). It is important to note that, different approaches to care can be applied to different groups of vulnerable people. All the same, ‘play' stands out as a major approach in specialized care for vulnerable children and youth. In this regard, it is patent that play spaces are crucial in the learning and care-settings for ‘at-risk' children and youths.
It is important to note that play, at both group and individual levels, is a learning process of trial and error (Burns, 2013). It can well be defined as a voluntary, experimental and organized pattern of behavior that is intrinsically motivated. Play work also involves managing a specific play space and the resources involved in the play. This concept propagates the importance of interaction and working with the said children and youth with an aim of expanding their potential to experiment, experience and explore enjoyable activities freely and spontaneously (peek, 2008). This concept, per se, demonstrates an avenue of achieving desirable cognitive stimulation for holistic development and or empowerment.
It is extremely important for Child and Youth Care Providers to identify and comprehend factors that stand to assist in identifying specialized needs of each vulnerable youngster in inter-agency or integrated settings. It is true that most of these young people are exceedingly challenged emotionally, especially in consideration of realizing their individualistic goals and potential (Burns, 2013). It is only through interventions that ought to include play, that meaningful progress can be realized. In as much as vulnerability differs from individual to individual, there should be no limits whatsoever for caregivers to offer extra help to these children with special needs. Burns (2006) offers special application of Maslow's hierarchy of needs to this respect.
It must also be considered that being vulnerable involves special needs that include but are not limited to physical disability, learning difficulties and behavioral issues. For purposes of this study however, this paper does not focus on the importance of play and or leisure activity for each category of children and youth that are "at-risk". The existing literature that touches on this topic in detail is undoubtedly extensive and comprehensive. It is however important to note that it emphasizes on the importance of a communal approach to aid in development of vulnerable children and youth. Teachers, parents, guardians and other able members of the community, all have a role to play, involvement in this regard.
It is common knowledge that play largely determines a child or a youth's overall happiness, which is crucial for healthy overall development. As mentioned, children and the youth, aside from the elderly, form the group of most affected by vulnerability. Besides, they require special caregivers, who fully comprehend how to deal with their age group, and the special characteristics associated with it.
To say the least, it is a moral obligation for Care Practitioners and the society in general to serve and protect the interests of vulnerable children and youths, via implementation of planned efforts that include provisions for play and leisure activities. Indeed, these serves to give hope for the affected persons. It is understood that this group of people have a difficult time in keeping track of their personal affairs and hence require appropriate guidance and direction (Peek, 2008). More so, they are specifically vulnerable of both physical and emotional abuse (Burns, ...