Youth work is at the heart of empowering young people, but some face intersecting challenges that place them in a category of high vulnerability. Recognizing and adequately supporting these “Highly Vulnerable Young People” (HVYP) is crucial to fostering inclusion and equity in youth mobility programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
A comprehensive guide recently developed by the Associazione Joint network, in collaboration with 26 organizations across 14 European countries, offers valuable insights and practical examples for youth workers aiming to enhance inclusion for this group. This guide emerges from an extensive process involving surveys and interviews that sought to define HVYP beyond traditional categories such as “Fewer Opportunities.”
Defining Highly Vulnerable Young People
Highly Vulnerable Young People are those living with multiple exclusion factors—of which at least one is long-term or permanent—that significantly impact their ability to engage fully in society and youth programs. Unlike broader classifications, the HVYP definition focuses on young people who require sustained structural support, tailored methodologies, and systemic changes across local and transnational initiatives.
For youth workers, understanding this definition means acknowledging that many young people manage overlapping social, economic, emotional, and educational barriers. These may include trauma, discrimination, poverty, lack of family support, or mental health struggles, all of which can severely limit their access to opportunities like international exchanges.
Key Groups and Barriers
The guide highlights case studies from real organizations that work with various highly vulnerable groups:
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Young People Facing Socio-economic Barriers and Mental Health Issues: Emotional struggles like anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation often accompany poverty, making constant support during mobility preparation essential.
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Young Refugees, Migrants, and National Minorities: Document and language barriers restrict access. These youths face discrimination and trauma linked to displacement, requiring sensitive approaches to inclusion.
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Roma Youth: Systemic marginalization, discrimination, school drop-out, and poverty present profound challenges. Tailored support that respects cultural backgrounds and promotes visibility is needed.
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Youth in Remote and Isolated Areas: Geographic isolation combined with poverty limits access to services and information, necessitating creative outreach and support strategies.
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LGBTQIA+ Youth and Those Facing Gender-based Discrimination: Safe spaces free from bullying and prejudice are critical, as are organizational competencies in handling diversity and inclusion.
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Young People in Alternative Care and Care Leavers: Legal, bureaucratic, and emotional hurdles combined with lack of social networks create high vulnerability. Trauma-informed care and empowerment are vital.
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Youth Facing Educational and Social Challenges: These young people often struggle with learning difficulties, unstable family environments, and social exclusion, requiring long-term support beyond the typical project timelines.
Barriers to Accessing Youth Mobility
Despite the immense benefits international experiences offer—such as personal growth, confidence building, cultural exchange, and employability—HVYPs face many obstacles to participation. These include financial limitations, difficulties in completing application processes, lack of organizational experience to support highly vulnerable participants, insufficient co-financing, and a shortage of partnerships dedicated to inclusion.
Moreover, practices within some organizations might fail to create safe and welcoming environments, which discourages participation, especially for marginalized groups like LGBTQIA+ youth and ethnic minorities.
Benefits of Inclusion in International Mobility
Involving highly vulnerable youth in international mobility initiatives can be transformative. These experiences provide a ‘safe bubble’ where participants are valued for who they are, enabling them to expand their horizons, build social networks, and develop resilience. Beyond individual empowerment, their participation enriches EU youth programs through increased diversity, stronger advocacy for inclusion, and the promotion of values such as tolerance, equity, and peace.
A Call to Action for Youth Workers
For youth workers, the guide acts as an essential resource to:
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Recognize the multifaceted nature of vulnerability among young people.
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Adapt project design and implementation to the needs of HVYPs, including trauma-informed approaches and flexibility.
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Establish long-term support systems that extend beyond the project duration.
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Foster partnerships across local and international levels to build capacity and share best practices.
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Advocate within organizations and at policy levels for systemic changes that remove barriers and create safe spaces.
Conclusion
Highly vulnerable young people represent some of the most at-risk yet resilient members of our communities. By embracing their complexity and supporting their inclusion in Erasmus+ and other youth mobility initiatives, youth workers can drive meaningful change not only in the lives of these young people but within the European youth sector as a whole. This guide offers a vital step toward that goal — providing knowledge, tools, and inspiration for those committed to inclusive, transformative youth work.
