Applied Development
Understanding the youths current developmental status. Puts their behaviour in context of their past and present environment or milieu. Looking at the social conditions of the youths family, the diversity, and their culture. Focusing on the youths development and social competence that shows and reflects on the strengths that the youth has.
Developmental Theory
Knowing and understanding to carefully reflect on current research and theory on human development, with several theoretical perspectives and applying them to practice when working with a youth. This is strength based development. Developmental Theory is understanding how the child should be growing physically, and what they should be able to do at their age, for example; jumping by 3 years of age, running by 2 years of age, and tying their own shoes by 5 years of age, etc.​​
Patterns of Growth and Development
Applying recent research in patterns of a youth’s development by observing and making assessments of the youth, while recognizing that patterns of growth and development are culturally and socially based. Focusing at both nature and nurture. Looking at relationships between the current skills, and how life experiences affected the youth’s development. Provides the information during prenatal, infancy, and the early childhood. This helps the youth to overcome their challenges and issues, and it teaches them how to bounce back from life's difficulties.​​
Learning Theory
Looking at the importance of the environment. Investing your time in others determines the strengths of rewards and consequences.
Developmental Theory and At Risk Behaviour
Applying 'Developmental Theory' to assist in understanding difficult and risky behaviours in youth that occurs in their life. The goal is to develop strength-based interventions that promote a positive change for the youth in your care, and to maximize developmental outcomes. The CYC Practitioner should show a positive attitude, even through hard times. Make sure everyone involved is in a good place mentally.
Psychotropic Medication
Being familiar with psychotropic medications commonly prescribed for treatment. Psychotropic medications are prescribed for the youth’s psychiatric disorders within a strength-based and developmental approach. As a CYC Practitioner, you must be aware of the side effects, and be aware of the affect of medications on the youth’s development. In my place of work, we have to give medication to our youth. In the workplace, we need to know exactly what the medication is, the side effects of the medication, how much is to be given to the youth, and where it is kept in the residence. Some commonly prescribed psychotropic medications are; Xanax, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Ativan, etc.​