Child and Youth Worker

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (3 Years - 6 Semesters) (1055)

About the Program

As a Child and Youth Worker, you will be part of an established profession within the human services field. You will adhere to a professional code of ethics and implement a range of prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies that are based on a foundational understanding of human behaviour and development, family systems, cultural diversity and exceptionalities. These strategies include crisis intervention, conflict management and problem solving, counselling, activity program development and delivery and group work.

You will become a valuable resource to children, youth and their families in facilitating change through specific commitment to understanding and interacting in therapeutic relationships.

As our world changes, working with increasingly large and more diverse groups is a reality. The ability to manage this process is a necessary skill and will require you to adapt to trends and engage in ongoing personal and professional development in this exciting field.

You will have the opportunity to experience four separate levels of community practicum training in various child and family service settings concurrent with academic requirements. You can complete the requirements for a diploma in a three- to five-year period, depending on your personal and employment needs. The diploma you receive is recognized by the provincial government and is accepted throughout Canada, and grants eligibility for full professional membership in the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors (OACYC) subject to applicable membership fees and requirements.

Program of Study

Semester 1
College Communication Skills (CMM110)
Child Care Methods I: Introduction to CYW (CYW104)
Rituals, Idols and Controversies in Sport (GAS101)
Introduction to Human Relations (HSC103)
Introduction to Addictions (HSC204)
Introduction to Psychology (PSY102)

Semester 2
Human Services Communication (CMM225)
Integrated Seminar I (CYW100)
Community Practicum I (CYW101)
Recreation Leadership (CYW131)
Child and Adolescent Development Part I (CYW132)
Abuse and Family Violence (CYW133)
Addictions 2 (CYW134)

Semester 3
Integrated Seminar II (CYW200)
Child Care Methods II: Case Management (CYW201)
Community Practicum II (CYW202)
Counselling Skills I (CYW203)
Group Dynamics I (CYW204)
Child and Adolescent Development Part II (CYW205)
Introduction to Family (CYW206)

Semester 4
Group Dynamics II (CYW230)
Legislation (CYW231)
Youth in Conflict with the Law (CYW232)
Behaviour Management - Applied (CYW233)
Counselling Skills II (CYW234)

Semester 5
Psychopathology - Childhood and Adolescence 1A (CYW300)
Family Dynamics (CYW302)
Integrated Seminar III (CYW304)
Human Sexuality (CYW306)
Community Practicum III (CYW307)
Working with Diverse Populations (CYW322)

Semester 6
Child Care Methods III: Therapies (CYW301)
Psychopathology - Childhood and Adolescence 1B (CYW320)
Integrated Seminar IV (CYW325)
Working with LGBTTTIQ Children & Youth (CYW327)
Community Practicum IV (CYW328)
Community Development (CYW329)

Where You’ll Work

Child and Youth Workers work in treatment centres, group homes, schools, social agencies, hospitals, children's aid societies, youth programs, recreational programs, youth justice facilities, and community development. Some choose self-employment.

Graduates of the Child and Youth Worker program may seek to pursue further study at local universities including Algoma University and Lake Superior State University (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan) to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Please contact Algoma University or Lake Superior State University for more information on transfer and entrance requirements for each post-secondary institution.

Transferring options to other post-secondary institutions vary according to the preferred University.

They can enhance their employment opportunities by becoming members of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors (OACYC). For more information on the opportunities and membership requirements please contact OACYC.

Grads at Work
A Child & Youth Worker diploma enables graduates to work in diverse settings. Graduates work in residential facilities for youth, including mental health settings, group homes and young offender facilities. Social services, including services for the developmentally delayed, health and educational facilities, recreation and wilderness training programs are all areas of potential employment. Family homes and community-based agencies also hire Child and Youth Worker Program graduates. An increasing number of graduates are self employed.
Assessment, treatment, prevention, intervention, advocacy work and community development are all part of a Child and Youth Worker’s skills. They can enhance their employment opportunities by becoming members of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors (OACYC).
Professional liability insurance for self-employed Child and Youth Workers is also available through the association. www.oacyc.org

Sault College CYW graduates are recognized across the province and the country and have been employed in the United States and the Dominican Republic.

What You’ll Need

Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status.

Placements

All applicants will be required to submit documentation of having completed the following procedures prior to entering clinical/lab, identified courses and/or field placement components of the program. If the appropriate documentation is not received within at least four weeks prior to the scheduled start of the clinical/lab/course and/or field placement, it may be necessary to withdraw the student from the course.

A current (within two years) Police Records Search is required by students as they will be enrolled in a program during which they will have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons. For detailed information regarding the specifics and process, please refer to the link titled 'Police Records Search Procedure'. All costs associated to these requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Immunization & Health Record Form: This form includes the following immunization requirements:

- Two-step TB test
- Immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella
- Current tetanus-diphtheria

The student must sign a Statement of Confidentiality Form.

Current Certification in CPR (Level C) and First Aid, and WHIMS

We strongly recommend that applicants, for their own personal safety, receive the Hepatitis B vaccine and maintain a current influenza immunization. However, these are not requirements for entry into the program.

(Updated August 14, 2009.)

Get a Degree

Graduates of the Child and Youth Worker Program may apply for acceptance under the articulation agreement we have with Algoma University. Through this agreement CYW graduates with a minimum of a 3.2 GPA may apply for advance standing and complete a degree in Psychology in one year of study. Additional information on the process to transfer credit is available on the Algoma University website. This is one of the best agreements in the province from an economic as well as educational perspective. Similar agreements are in effect with other universities.

Students who do not have at least a 3.2 GPA will be required to complete additional courses at Algoma to meet degree requirements.

Additional Requirements

CYW Program for University Graduates

If you have a degree but lack experience in the field, our Degree-Plus-Diploma Advanced- Standing Option may be for you. The articulation agreement between Sault College and Algoma University acknowledges the value and credibility of both streams of study and serves as a means for graduates from each stream to enhance their credentials. University graduates will gain practical skills and clinical experience in supervised settings; college graduates will enhance their theoretical knowledge.

Entrance Requirements: a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from an accredited university; an overall B average in the area of concentration;a Current Resume (including volunteerism, workshops, and professional development activity);*Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)documentation to attend field placement; health documentation (as per College and Program requirements); academic advisement interview with the Child and Youth Worker Program Coordinator or his/her designate.

Please note that obtaining a criminal records check can be a lengthy process. You are advised to begin this process as soon as possible as the placement is dependent upon you having this documentation.

It is essential that you have current First Aid and CPR competencies. This is not offered through the program but is available at the College or through local services. These costs are not covered under tuition fees.

The duration of the program is two semesters. Due to the nature and availability of courses, a September start date is required.

Our History
In Ontario, child and youth work formally began in the late 1950s when Lon Lawson arrived from England to assume directorship of the newly-formed Thistletown Regional Centre in Toronto. Mr. Lawson and his colleagues began to develop training programs for frontline staff who were providing direct care to institutionalized children and youth. Within a few years, a number of specialized treatment centres had opened in the Toronto area. It became apparent that it was neither economically feasible nor practical to do the training in each of the agencies. Ontario community colleges were subsequently approached to do the training. Training was initially done to the certificate level. It gradually evolved to the point where all Child and Youth Worker programs in the province are six semesters in length. An Advanced College diploma is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Child and Youth Workers became full members of treatment teams, working actively alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, psychometrists, social workers and teachers. It has long been acknowledged that Child and Youth Workers bring expertise, skills and viewpoints that are unique to the profession and essential to the treatment of children, youth and their families.

The Child and Youth Worker Program at Sault College received initial provincial approval in 1975. Over the years, it has continued to develop and evolve to meet the needs and changing demands of employers across the province. Graduates continue to access meaningful employment in all provinces and territories. Many choose to take advantage of articulation opportunities with universities and other college programs in the quest for lifelong learning. As the profession continues to grow and develop, the role of Child and Youth Workers is becoming increasingly more diverse. Employment opportunities are expanding, including a movement into private practice.

Course Descriptions

Semester 1

College Communication Skills (CMM110) (3 credits)
This course helps students develop the communication skills necessary to function at the college level and to be successful in future employment. It promotes the development of college-level research and writing involving critical thinking abilities. Students also will employ effective documentation techniques. Editing abilities and document production will be enhanced through the use of all available tools, including computers. In this course, the principles of writing are taught through the writing process.

Child Care Methods I: Introduction to CYW (CYW104) (4 credits)
Child Care Methods I serves as an introductory course to the field of Child & Youth work. It examines the unique history, skills, knowledge and attitutdes that characterize the profession.

Rituals, Idols and Controversies in Sport (GAS101) (3 credits)
This course gives students the opportunity to examine the many rituals, idols, and controversies surrounding the world of sports. Students will debate, discuss, and present a variety of popular topics in sports such as athlete salaries, performance-enhancing drugs and athlete product endorsement. This course will explore the impact these issues have on social and cultural aspects of human behaviour.

Introduction to Human Relations (HSC103) (3 credits)
This course will introduce students to principles and practices of effective human relations. Students will have opportunities to integrate theory and skills development. Giving and taking feedback, assertiveness and problem resolution are among the special topics covered.

Introduction to Addictions (HSC204) (3 credits)
In this course, the student will be introduced to the study of addictions. The class will explore general information about substances, their effects and the development of dependency. The impact of addiction on individuals, families and society will be examined. Prevention, assessment, intervention and treatment approaches and resources will be discussed.

Introduction to Psychology (PSY102) (3 credits)
A study of the science of psychology; its methods, concepts and theories, including the following topic areas: (1) biological bases of behaviour and perceptual processes; (2) intelligence, learning and memory; (3) motivation and emotion, and (4) states of awareness. Psychological concepts will be studied with a view towards how they can be applied to enhance the student's understanding of psychological adaptation and the cases and consequences of human behaviour.

Semester 2

Human Services Communication (CMM225) (3 credits)
This course prepares students for employment in the human service professions. Emphasis is placed on career exploration and the production of a variety of written and oral communications suited for the various purposes and audiences relevant to this profession. In this course, the principles of writing are taught through the writing process.

Integrated Seminar I (CYW100) (3 credits)
The Child and Youth Worker students on practicum will meet as a group to discuss their experiences in the field. Observation methodology, reporting and recording techniques will be discussed and practiced. These seminars will be under the direction of the CYW Faculty.

Community Practicum I (CYW101) (7 credits)
This course provides students with their initial practical training in the Child and Youth field. Students are generally placed in an elementary classroom setting. Students achieve the specific learning outcomes of the placement in approximately 150 hours of supervised placement experience.

Recreation Leadership (CYW131) (3 credits)
This course focuses on teaching techniques for involving clients in activities and the use of recreation as a means of achieving goals and encouraging values related to healthy development. Emphasis will be on the therapeutic use of programming and activity planning.

Child and Adolescent Development Part I (CYW132) (3 credits)
The growth and development of the person from conception to early childhood will be the focus of this course. Norms of development will be studied, addressing the interactive effects of maturation, experience and life context as they affect the individual.

Abuse and Family Violence (CYW133) (3 credits)
Students will examine the complex factors and conditions which contribute to various forms of abusive situations within the family. The cyclical and trans-active nature of violence within partner relationships and the resulting impact on the child will be addressed. Also to be studied are the various professional roles with respect to prevention and intervention, current community response initiatives, methods of developing conflict resolution skills, and strategies for replacing dysfunctional patterns.

Addictions 2 (CYW134) (3 credits)
This course addresses the role of the Child & Youth Worker in supporting children, youth and families impacted by addictions. The emphasis will be on “intervention strategies in the areas of therapeutic programming, individual counselling and group work which comply with treatment aims for the client.”

Semester 3

Integrated Seminar II (CYW200) (3 credits)
The Child & Youth Worker students on practicum will meet as a group once a week to discuss their experiences in the field. These integrated seminars will be under the direction of the CYW Faculty. Issues pertinent to the adolescent in the group setting will be explored.

Child Care Methods II: Case Management (CYW201) (3 credits)
This course will examine the psycho-dynamics of youth in need of help, including identification, etiology, and the basics of program design. Emphasis is on techniques of child behaviour management, goal setting, case management and evaluation. Identifying problems amenable to change and applying process of 'talking', 'teaching' and 'modelling' are featured in experiential format.


Community Practicum II (CYW202) (9 credits)
This course involves a student being placed in a supervised setting where learning outcomes within the program requirements can be fulfilled. Field placement involves approximately 200 hours over a 15 week semester.

Counselling Skills I (CYW203) (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the techniques of the helping interview. Emphasis will be on various types of interviews and variables in an interview. Supervised practical experiences in conducting interviews will take place.

Group Dynamics I (CYW204) (3 credits)
This course provides the opportunity for the student to examine and understand the theory of group process. Emphasis is on therapeutic approaches designed to lead to intra-personal and interpersonal understanding among group members. Research regarding behaviour changes resulting from these techniques will be included.

Child and Adolescent Development Part II (CYW205) (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of CYW132. It will provide an intensive study of human development from middle childhood to the end of adolescence. A holistic view of human development and functioning will be utilized. Emphasis will be on the integration and application of knowledge of developmental patterns and occurrences.

Introduction to Family (CYW206) (3 credits)
This course will provide the student with an introduction to working with children and their families from a Child and Youth Worker perspective focusing on daily living skills. Students will review the most recent literature from the CYW field and gain a deeper understanding of community-based family intervention and support programs for young people and their families. Students will examine the behavioural, developmental and psycho-social strengths and needs of children, youth and their families in relation to current family environments. Practical application of strategies and interventions appropriate to working with families will be introduced.

Semester 4

Group Dynamics II (CYW230) (3 credits)
This course provides opportunity for the student to gain experience in the application of group techniques in personal and professional situations. The focus is on group behaviour in therapy settings and the use of various techniques, methods and approaches within the group process with children, adolescents and adults.

Legislation (CYW231) (3 credits)
This course will provide an overview of selected legislation pertinent to work with children and their families. The primary focus will be the Child and Family Services Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the Education Act. Additional legislation will be examined as complementary to the aforementioned.

Youth in Conflict with the Law (CYW232) (3 credits)
This course will focus on issues pertinent to dealing with children and youth in conflict with the law. Legislation and the management of primary, secondary and tertiary treatment issues will be examined.

Behaviour Management - Applied (CYW233) (3 credits)
This course will introduce the student to a wide variety of behavioural management techniques. The course will focus on the practical application of these techniques to a diverse client group.

Counselling Skills II (CYW234) (3 credits)
This course will expose the student to direction-setting and influencing skills in the helping situation. Various types of counselling situations will be explored. Role play and videotape will be utilized.

Semester 5

Psychopathology - Childhood and Adolescence 1A (CYW300) (3 credits)
The various psychopathologies related to intellectual, social, emotional and physical sensory functioning will be examined. Each psychopathology will be explored in respect to symptoms, causes and treatment approaches. Application of the formulation and assessment model will be utilized in a case study approach.

Family Dynamics (CYW302) (3 credits)
This course is a study of the structure and function of family systems and various social influences on the family process. Exploration of sociological problems of the family such as mobility, divorce, marital adjustments, and changing roles will be included. There is an emphasis on teaching parenting skills in the family context.

Integrated Seminar III (CYW304) (3 credits)
The Child & Youth Worker students on field placement will meet as a group once a week to discuss their experiences in the field. These integrated seminars will be under the direction of the CYW Faculty.

Human Sexuality (CYW306) (3 credits)
This course will provide an overview of development and attitude in society in the area of human sexuality. An understanding of sexuality and associated typical and atypical behaviour in young people will be explored. The implications of this in working with disturbed or troubled youth will be a major area of focus.

Community Practicum III (CYW307) (9 credits)
This is the first of two senior levels of community practicum in the Child & Youth Worker Program. It is designed to further the student's practical CYW training.

Working with Diverse Populations (CYW322) (3 credits)
This course will provide an in-depth examination of the impact of diversity on education, family support, community development, public policy and advocacy. There will be an emphasis on the application of ethical and professional standards in working with diverse populations.

Semester 6

Child Care Methods III: Therapies (CYW301) (3 credits)
This course will focus on modes of treatment and skill development in therapeutic techniques. Emphasis will be on treatment planning and application of various methodologies to specific areas of concern for children, youth and their families.

Psychopathology - Childhood and Adolescence 1B (CYW320) (3 credits)
A continuation of Psychopathology - Child and Adolescence 1A. Various treatment methodologies will be examined and evaluated as they apply to the various pathologies.

Integrated Seminar IV (CYW325) (3 credits)
Students will be afforded the opportunity to make the appropriate contacts to operationalize the community development project on an ongoing basis. Significant student involvement and initiative is required. Documentation of the process is essential.

Working with LGBTTTIQ Children & Youth (CYW327) (3 credits)
Working with LGBTTTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered, two-spirited, intersex and questioning) Children and Youth. This course prepares students to work effectively with LGBTTTIQ children, youth and their families, in a variety of settings and circumstances. The focus will be on the developmental issues, use of sensitive and direct questioning techniques, strategies for engagement, support and creating safe spaces. Students will become familiar with best practice models in assessing specific needs of LGBTTTIQ clients, engaging in positive treatment planning, making appropriate referrals and advocacy. Some areas of emphasis will be on history, diversity issues, peer support, self-esteem building among clients, education both within the LBGTTTIQ population and the community at large, and the media.

Community Practicum IV (CYW328) (9 credits)
This is the second of two senior leves of community practicum in the Child & Youth Worker program. It is designed to further the student's practical CYW training.


Community Development (CYW329) (4 credits)
This course provides a theoretical exploration of Community Development practices and principles. A key component of the course is the planning and implementation of major community development experiential project.