The Youth Justice program prepares students to work alongside young people who face multiple vulnerabilities. Through a combination of Criminology and Child and Youth Care courses that blend theory and practice, you will learn how to be attentive and responsive to the unique needs of young people and to reflect on your relational practice to continually develop as a youth worker. Youth workers eng
age with young people in a variety of contexts – schools, community centres, custody centres, residential services, mentorship programs, social service agencies – to support varied and often intersecting challenges – mental health, trauma, substance use, criminal justice involvement, being unhoused or transient, and limited connection to positive, stable supports – in a holistic way. We critically examine how historical, social, cultural, political, and economic systems shape the development of young people in families and communities. Our mission is to develop reflective, ethical, and effective youth justice workers, who are empathic, self-aware, relational, and demonstrate strong critical thinking skills to navigate the complex and dynamic responsibilities of youth work. The Youth Justice diploma prepares students to work in the field of youth justice and/or to continue with related educational opportunities (e.g., Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminology or Child and Youth Care, Bachelor of Social Work degree). Upon successful completion of the program, our students should be able to:
Illustrate self-awareness and apply personal and professional values to ethical and effective practice. Use developing literacies (reading, writing, disciplinary, digital) appropriately in practice. Demonstrate interpersonal relational skills, sensitivity, and openness to the experiences and perspectives of others. Apply critical thinking skills to allow for purposeful and intentional practice in novel and complex situations. Actively integrate learning into practice and demonstrate curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning and development. You may also attend one of Douglas College's Information Sessions where you will have the opportunity to speak with a Youth Justice faculty member, meet other prospective students, and ask questions. Information session dates and times can be found here:
http://www.douglas.bc.ca/new-students/information-sessions.html
