Child and Youth Services Worker Diploma Program

Program Overview

The Child and Youth Services Worker diploma program prepares students to support children and adolescents facing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges in a variety of settings. Grounded in Canadian practice and legislation, the program emphasizes trauma-informed care, inclusive and culturally responsive practice, and ethical, professional conduct in child and youth services. Students explore core topics such as child and adolescent development, mental health and addictions, family dynamics, Indigenous perspectives, youth justice, and risk and crisis management. Courses integrate theory, case-based learning, and practical application to help students develop communication, advocacy, assessment, and intervention skills required to work effectively with diverse youth populations. By the end of the program, graduates are prepared to contribute to multidisciplinary teams in community agencies, schools, group homes, shelters, and youth justice or outreach programs. They learn to build trusting relationships with youth, collaborate with families and community partners, and support youth in navigating complex systems and life transitions.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Child and Youth Care (60 hours)

This course provides a broad overview of the Child and Youth Care (CYC) profession, including its history, core philosophies, and evolving role within the Canadian social services landscape. Students examine the responsibilities, boundaries, and competencies expected of child and youth workers in diverse practice settings.
Key topics include professional ethics, self-awareness, and reflective practice as foundations for effective helping relationships. The course also introduces the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors on child and youth development. Through discussions, case examples, and introductory activities, students begin to explore their own suitability for this field and develop a professional identity grounded in empathy, respect, and accountability.

Child and Adolescent Psychology (80 hours)

This course explores the psychological development of children and adolescents, with a focus on cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioural growth. Students examine major theories of development and apply them to real-world scenarios involving children and youth. Topics include attachment, identity formation, moral development, and the impact of family, peers, school, and media on psychological functioning. The course also addresses risk and protective factors that influence mental health and behavioural outcomes, including trauma, resilience, and environmental stressors. By the end of the course, students will be able to interpret youth behaviour through a developmental lens and use this understanding to inform supportive interventions.

Family Dynamics and Community Support (60 hours)

This course examines how family systems and community environments influence the lives of children and youth. Students explore diverse family structures, parenting styles, and the impact of family stressors such as conflict, separation, poverty, and systemic barriers. Emphasis is placed on understanding family strengths and challenges and how these shape youth behaviour and well-being. The course also introduces community resources and support services available to families, and the role of child and youth workers in connecting families to these supports. Students develop skills in family-centered communication, collaboration, and advocacy, with particular attention to respecting cultural diversity and lived experience.

Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution (80 hours)

In this course, students learn foundational concepts and practical strategies for responding to crises involving children and youth. Topics include understanding different types of crises, recognizing early warning signs, and assessing the severity and immediacy of risk. Students are introduced to de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution models, and safety planning approaches appropriate to youth settings. The course emphasizes trauma-informed, strengths-based practice and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and self-care when working in high-stress situations. Through case studies and scenario-based activities, students practice applying structured crisis intervention frameworks to support youth and families effectively and safely.

Mental Health and Addictions in Youth (80 hours)

This course provides an introduction to common mental health disorders and substance use issues affecting children and youth. Students explore diagnostic categories, signs and symptoms, and how mental health and addictions intersect with family, school, and community life. Emphasis is placed on understanding stigma, barriers to care, and the importance of early identification and intervention. The course examines prevention, harm reduction, and treatment approaches, including the role of child and youth services workers in multidisciplinary teams. Students learn to recognize when to refer to specialized mental health and addictions services, and how to provide appropriate support and advocacy while maintaining ethical and professional boundaries.

Indigenous Perspectives in Child and Youth Care (60 hours)

This course introduces Indigenous perspectives on child and youth care, with a focus on the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous children, families, and communities in Canada. Students explore topics such as residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, child welfare involvement, and intergenerational trauma. The course highlights Indigenous worldviews, cultural practices, and community-based approaches to healing and wellness. Students examine how to apply decolonizing and culturally safe practices in child and youth services, including the importance of building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and service providers. Reflection on reconciliation, allyship, and personal biases forms an essential part of the learning process.

Youth Justice and the Legal System (80 hours)

This course provides an overview of the legal framework governing youth justice in Canada, with a focus on the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). Students learn about the rights and responsibilities of young people within the justice system and examine how youth come into contact with the law. Key topics include police discretion, court processes, sentencing principles, and the use of restorative justice and alternative measures. The course also addresses the role of child and youth workers in legal and quasi-legal settings, including reporting obligations, advocacy, and collaboration with justice partners. Case studies help students understand how legal decisions affect the lives of youth and how supportive interventions can contribute to positive outcomes.

Special Needs and Inclusive Care (60 hours)

This course focuses on supporting children and youth with diverse abilities and special needs in inclusive environments. Students explore various developmental, learning, and physical disabilities, and how these may affect participation, behaviour, communication, and social relationships. Emphasis is placed on individualized support planning, collaboration with families and professionals, and creating accessible, inclusive programs and spaces. The course also examines legal and policy frameworks related to inclusion, along with strategies for advocacy and reducing barriers faced by youth with exceptionalities. Students learn practical approaches for adapting activities, using strengths-based language, and promoting dignity, participation, and belonging for all youth.

Child Development and Early Learning (80 hours)

This course examines key stages of child development from infancy through early adolescence and their implications for early learning. Students study major developmental theories and apply them to cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development. Topics include developmental milestones, play-based learning, and the role of environment and relationships in shaping early experiences. The course emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices and how to observe, document, and support children’s growth in a variety of early learning and care contexts. Students develop a foundational understanding of how early experiences can influence later behaviour, mental health, and educational outcomes.

Risk Assessment and Crisis Management (80 hours)

Building on earlier crisis-focused courses, this subject offers a more in-depth exploration of structured risk assessment and crisis management in child and youth settings. Students learn to use risk assessment tools and frameworks to identify potential threats to safety, such as self-harm, aggression, or exploitation. The course explores crisis intervention strategies, safety planning, and post-crisis recovery and debriefing. Emphasis is placed on interprofessional collaboration, documentation, and adherence to agency policies and legal obligations. Students also reflect on their own responses to crises and the importance of supervision, consultation, and self-care when working with high-risk situations.

Child and Youth Advocacy and Policy (60 hours)

This course examines the systems, policies, and laws that shape child and youth services in Canada. Students explore child protection legislation, child welfare policies, and broader social policies that affect housing, education, health, and income security for families and youth. The course introduces frameworks for advocacy at individual, organizational, and systemic levels, including how to support youth and families in navigating complex systems. Students learn how to analyze policy impacts, identify gaps in services, and formulate recommendations for change. Through applied assignments, they practice developing advocacy plans and communicating effectively with decision-makers and community partners.

Working with At-Risk Youth (100 hours)

This course provides a focused exploration of the experiences and needs of at-risk youth, including those affected by poverty, homelessness, family conflict, substance use, involvement with the justice system, and other intersecting challenges. Students examine how structural factors such as discrimination, racism, and systemic inequality contribute to risk and marginalization. The course emphasizes strengths-based, relationship-centered approaches to engagement, including building trust, setting realistic goals, and supporting youth voice and autonomy. Students learn about community resources, outreach strategies, and collaborative support planning. By integrating theory with practice-based scenarios, they develop practical skills for supporting at-risk youth in diverse service settings.

Understanding Youth Behavior and Intervention (100 hours)

This course examines adolescent development with specific attention to behavioural patterns, motivations, and challenges that arise during the teenage years. Students deepen their understanding of developmental theories related to adolescence and explore how biological changes, identity formation, peer relationships, and social pressures influence behaviour. The course distinguishes between typical and atypical development and introduces common behavioural and emotional disorders. Students learn how to conduct basic behavioural observations, identify triggers and patterns, and apply appropriate interventions and support strategies. Emphasis is placed on respectful communication, boundary-setting, and collaborative problem-solving with youth and their support networks.

Youth Mentorship and Leadership Development (120 hours)

This course equips students with the skills and frameworks needed to act as effective mentors and leaders in youth-serving environments. Students explore different models of mentorship, leadership styles, and program designs that foster youth engagement, empowerment, and leadership. Topics include building and maintaining mentoring relationships, working with diverse youth populations, group facilitation, and ethical considerations in leadership and mentorship roles. The course also addresses program planning and evaluation, including how to design youth leadership initiatives and measure their impact. Through reflection, activities, and project-based work, students develop their own leadership philosophy and mentorship toolkit for practical application in the field.

Addressing Current Youth Issues in Canada (80 hours)

This course focuses on contemporary social issues affecting youth in Canada, such as mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, poverty, systemic racism, and the influence of technology and social media. Students analyze these issues from social, economic, and policy perspectives and consider how they intersect with identity, culture, and geography. The course examines government initiatives, community programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving outcomes for youth. Students critically evaluate the effectiveness of current responses and identify innovative or emerging approaches in youth work. Assignments encourage students to develop informed, practical strategies to address current youth issues within their future practice.

Capstone Project: Integrative Child and Youth Services Practice (60 hours)

As described in the Capstone Project section above, this final course allows students to synthesize and apply their learning in a comprehensive project focused on a real or realistic youth services issue. Working under guidance, students design, implement (where appropriate), and present an intervention, program proposal, or in-depth case analysis. They demonstrate their ability to integrate theory, research, policy, and practice, while considering ethical responsibilities, cultural contexts, and the lived experiences of youth and families. Reflection on professional growth and readiness for practice is a key outcome of this culminating experience.

Financial Aid

Many people need extra financial aid to attend school. At Oxford College, we believe that finances should not be a barrier for anyone seeking higher education. That’s why we have many funding programs in place, including OSAP, Second Career, and private student loans, to name a few. We will also collaborate with you to set up manageable monthly payment plans.
Sit down with a Financial Aid Advisor today. They will assess your situation.
And create a funding plan that works for you.

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