Child and Youth Worker (1055)
3 Years - 6 Semesters
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Our History
In Ontario, child and youth work formally began in the late 1950s when Lon Lawson arrived from England to assume directorship of the newly formed Thistletown Regional Centre in Toronto. He and his colleagues began to develop training programs for frontline staff who were providing direct care to institutionalized children and youth. Within a few years a number of specialized treatment centres had opened in the Toronto area. It became apparent that it was not economically feasible nor practical to do the training in each of the agencies. The Colleges were subsequently approached to do the training. Initially training was done to the certificate level. It gradually evolved to the point where all CYW programs in the province are six semesters in length and culminate in the attainment of a diploma at successful completion.
Child and youth workers became full members of treatment teams working actively alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, psychometrists, social workers and teachers. It has long been acknowledged that CYWs bring expertise, skills and viewpoints that are unique to the profession and essential to the treatment of children youth and their families.
The Child and Youth Worker Program at Sault College received initial provincial approval in 1975. Over the years it has continued to develop and evolve to meet the needs and changing demands of employers across the province. Graduates continue to access meaningful employment in all provinces and territories. Many choose to take advantage of articulation opportunities with universities and other college programs in the quest for lifelong learning. As the profession continues to grow and develop, the role of the CYW's becoming increasingly more diverse and employment opportunities expanding including movement into private practice.
A more comprehensive view of the history and development of the profession can be found on the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors web site at www.oacyc.org.