Child and youth workers are specialists in facilitating change in children and youths who are experiencing a broad range of social, emotional, or behavioural challenges in their lives. Children and youths respond to the impact of change, stress, loss, poverty, violence, abuse and neglect with a range of emotions and behaviours including confusion, anger, withdrawal, aggression, hopelessness, violence and suicide. Additionally, increasing numbers of these youths are in contact with the justice system, in custody and/or receiving some therapeutic intervention.

Graduates may find employment opportunities in public and private agencies and institutions including family homes, community-based services, residential and custody settings.