Child & Youth Worker Program
At George Brown College
Quick Reference to the CYW Program
Child and Youth Workers are professionals who provide direct care and treatment intervention
services to a wide range of children and youth who are experiencing social, emotional, and
behavourial difficulties. As the trend in human services has shifted to emphasize prevention and
community-based work with children, youth, and families, the field of work for our graduates
continues to grow and change.
> > > CAREER PROSPECTS
The Child and Youth Worker professional is a member of a team working collaboratively with
others in the helping professions to treat children and adolescents. Graduates of the CYW program
work with troubled children, youth, and families in: group homes, treatment centres, hospitals,
schools, facilities for Young Offenders, and community-based programs.
> > > JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Child and Youth Workers are specialists in facilitating change in children and youth who are
experiencing a range of social, emotional, or behavioural challenges in their lives. Child and Youth
Workers are valuable resources to children, youth, and their families in this process. They are
effective in understanding, intervening, and interacting in therapeutic relationships with these children,
youth, and their families.
> > > ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma with Grade 12 English
- Mature Students: will be required to do an English Assessment test prior to acceptance
- Applicants apply directly to OCAS indicating the program and college of choice
- Applicants must have a minimum of 60 hours, paid or volunteer, experience with children or youth,
including any time or credit gained through a high school co-operative program
- Applicants must provide two (2) letters of reference supporting their application, verifying and
documenting their experiences with children or youth
- Applicants must write an essay describing their motivation for applying to the program and detailing
why they believe they are a good candidate for this program
- Applicants must complete a questionnaire, write a one-page statement on a case study, and submit
an up-to-date resume
- Attend an Information Session
Helping to Change Lives
Child & Youth Worker Program
At George Brown College
> > > SELECTION PROCEDURE
Applicants are invited to attend an information session prior to acceptance. Contact information is
included in the applicant questionnaire.
OCAS Application forms and guides may be obtained from:
- Guidance office of a local high school or community college
- George Brown College: 416-415-2000, 1-800-265-2002
- Info@gbrownc.on.ca
- www.ocas.on.ca
> > > PROGRAM OUTLINE
Six Semesters, Full-time program
Semester One
Introduction to Child and Youth Care
Interpersonal Skills
Introduction to Psychology
Child Development
Therapeutic Activities
Integrative Seminar
Field Practice
College English
General Education Elective
Semester Two
Child Development
Therapeutic Activities
Child and Youth Work Methods
Integrative Seminar
Field Practice
Counselling Skills
Legislation and Social Issues
Computers
Semester Three
Human Sexuality
Assessments and Plans of Care
Therapeutic Foundations
Integrative Seminar
Field Practice
Group Dynamics
Adolescent Development
Methods II
Semester Four
Group Dynamics/Programming for Adolescents
CYW Issues
Integrative Seminar
Field Practice
Semester Five
Introduction to Sociology
Professional Issues I
Psychopathology
Integrative Seminar III
Field Practice III
Professional Issues II
Semester Six
Psychopathology
CYW Issues III
Integrative Seminar
Field Practice
Professional Issues IV
Should you wish to contact the Faculty of the Child and Youth Worker Program, please call
416-415-2330 or fax 416-415-2646. You can also visit George Brown College online at
http://www.gbrownc.on.ca