Program Description 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.
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be eligible to join the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors.
