Humber’s Child and Youth Care (CYC) advanced diploma program teaches you to engage with children, youth and families in their everyday lives to promote optimal development and facilitate positive changes by using the principles of relational practice. This program features courses that provide foundational knowledge in childhood, adolescent and family development, group dynamics, CYC interventions and therapeutic activities. Other courses delve into professional ethics and advocacy, the unique role of the child and youth care practitioner, counselling techniques, effective work with families, the impact of trauma and how to build resiliency. You will learn that an essential component of professional practice is self-awareness, therefore, many courses emphasize self-reflection and the classroom is considered a professional practice environment. Our program is delivered by award-winning faculty, renowned in their field, with current relevant experience and advanced degrees. The program embraces the approach of learning by doing. You will participate in multiple quality work placements to gain first-hand experience in a variety of settings. This program has typically enjoyed an extremely high rate of graduate employment.

With Humber’s Child and Youth Care advanced diploma program, you can enjoy the rewards of a career where you make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth by: – understanding and learning about the complex challenges faced by children, youth and families, due to factors such as socioeconomic concerns, mental health or cognitive issues or developmental challenges – building on strengths and capacities, and working collaboratively in ways that respect peoples unique physical, cultural and social contexts – developing therapeutic relationships – utilizing daily life events as opportunities to promote and facilitate positive change – seeking out and connecting children, youth and their families with relevant, culturally specific and appropriate community resources – working as part of an inter-professional team. Our graduates enter a field with opportunities in a variety of settings, including: – Children’s Aid Societies – community-based child and youth development programs – parent education and family support – school-based programs – youth and women’s shelters – open custody group homes for young offenders – residential and day treatment programs in children’s mental health centres – psychiatric hospitals – early intervention and prevention programs.