Many young people experience neglect, abuse, emotional distress and/or family breakdowns. Through mentorship, role-modeling and positive reinforcement, the child and youth care worker can help young people and their families overcome these emotional and behavioural problems. Accepting children and youth as they are and not how we wish them to be, and understanding the difference between being a rescuer and a caring professional are key attributes of the child and youth care worker. Build Relationships that Change Lives The Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program provides you with the foundational skills required to work in a professional environment with high-risk youth and families. Specialized child and youth care courses and courses in disciplines such as the humanities and social sciences prepare you to become a well-rounded child and youth care professional, ready to offer guidance, support, concern and encouragement to troubled children, youth and their families. Already Have a Child and Youth Care Diploma? MacEwan University may be able to transfer portions of a diploma from another post-secondary institution, helping you complete your degree faster than you think! Degree or Diploma – Your Choice Students entering the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program can choose to complete the four-year degree or a two-year diploma.

Well-educated child and youth care professionals are in high demand, which is why 95% of MacEwan graduates find related employment within six months. Upon degree completion, graduates are well-suited for both advanced front-line child and youth care practitioners and/or supervisory positions. Students who choose the diploma exit option are fully prepared to move immediately into entry-level, front-line positions in the field. Career opportunities for child and youth care program graduates include: youth worker family support worker out-of-school care worker child/youth care worker/counsellor counsellor assistant family enhancement worker family-school liaison worker Child and youth care program graduates find employment in a variety of settings such as: treatment centres group homes youth centres mental health centres family support programs community-based programs foster care schools