Child and Youth Counsellors (CYCs) are involved in all facets of care from intake, to assessment, to program planning, to goal formulation, and intervention. Practitioners provide assistance through a variety of treatment strategies and work as an integral part of a treatment team. Child Youth Counsellors team up with teachers, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists as well as other social services providers to deliver a holistic approach to caregiving. This program ensures that you will acquire the necessary skills for employment as a Child and Youth Care worker and it is designed to meet or exceed upcoming accreditation requirements in this field. Three work placements provide varied practical experience and ample opportunity to hone skills to interact with this often challenging client group. Courses include innovative and best practices required by the industry, such as trauma-informed practice and treating the family, as well as group dynamics, counselling, advocacy, legislation, crisis intervention, and family dynamics. The philosophy of the program is to be thoroughly involved with the individual, using everyday occurrences as learning opportunities for growth and empowerment. The curriculum also encourages self-reflective practice of personal values, beliefs, attitudes and assumptions relating to human behavior and relationships. You will also learn self-care strategies to help navigate the impact of working in this sector.

As a Child and Youth Counsellor, you can find employment in a variety of community-based organizations, public and private workplaces, including human service agencies, educational settings, health facilities, and recreational/ sports facilities. The increased need for CYWs in residential care settings has resulted in an accelerated hiring rate for locations such as group homes, residential and day treatment programs in children’s mental health centres, and treatment residences. CYWs work with a diverse range of people and personal circumstances, including: Children and youth who have experienced traumatic events in their lives such as abuse and neglect Children and youth struggling with mental challenges Children, youth, and their families experiencing the impact of homelessness Children and youth impacted by addictions, mental health issues Children, youth and their families who have experienced violence Families living in poverty At-risk youth