"Perhaps it is our destiny to assist others in finding theirs'."
Autumn Cross
Child and Youth Care student
CYC Scope of Practice
The Child and Youth Care field is similar to fields such as an Early Childhood Educator and a Social Service Worker, etc. However, CYC's are very different in the ways of becoming very close with the children and youth, and their families. CYC's get right up and personal in the youths life-space, and is consistently apart of the youths growth and development. CYC's teach life-skills, and are on the clock morning, or night, whenever the youth needs us. CYC's are trained in crisis situations as well. The Child and Youth Care field focuses more on relationships, than any other closely related field.
Flexibility is important in the Child and Youth Care field because if the youth needs you in the middle of the night, you may be called in to assist your fellow staff and the youth.
Consistent belief in the child or youth is also important, as you have to see the good in them, even if they do not believe in themselves.
Caring for the child or youth, emotionally and physically. You really need to prove you care for the youth, and how they feel. You need to bond with the youth, and form a relationship. Be a positive person in their life.
Having the courage to work in a dangerous and stressful environment. As a Child and Youth Worker, you need to be ready to be called every name in the book, be threatened, and screamed at, and you still want to be there and help said person.
Being creative in the workplace, to try and get the youth to open up to you.
Being passionate about your role as a Child and Youth Worker is a key component in this practice. This field can be traumatic, and it can be very stressful. It takes a lot of passion and selflessness to wake up everyday, and continue to provide support for another human being, that may be trying to push us away all together.
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