Youth Justice Courses

YJWD 1100 Personal and Professional Issues for the Youth Justice Worker (3 credits)

This course will examine issues critical to the student's development as a youth justice worker. The principal course objective is for students to develop a realistic awareness of the professional role associated with working with youth in the justice system. Emphasis will be placed on student analysis of personal values and how these are incorporated into a professional role. Ethical theories and decision-making skills that adhere to professional roles, policy requirements, and legal obligations will be the foundation of this course. Students will also increase self-awareness and develop plans for effectively managing personal and work related stressors.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Youth Justice Program or Department permission

Lecture: 4 hrs/wk

YJWD 1200 Behavioural Intervention Strategies for Youth Justice (1.5 credits)

This course will focus on strategies to assist youth justice clients to learn or increase pro-social behaviours and decrease anti-social or otherwise problematic behaviours. The course will use principles from applied operant conditioning giving particular attention to the use of cognitive-behavioural interventions. Emphasis will be placed on teaching students to build on client strengths while reinforcing desirable behavioural approximations.

Prerequisite: YJWD 100 or YJWD 1100, (concurrent) or Department Permission

Hours: 3 hrs/wk

YJWD 1220 Counselling Skills for Youth Justice Workers (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic theory and practice of counselling. The course will emphasize the development of a helping relationship, active listening skills and accurate empathy. From the perspective of the practice of Youth Justice Work students will learn ways of helping and supporting their clients to explore their issues and to cope with related feelings. Culture and world view will be viewed as essential elements for understanding and responding to clients.

YJWD 1240 Youth Justice Worker: Practicum I (4.5 credits)

Calendar Description: This course will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate an ability to translate theory into practice. Each student will spend 140 hours in a youth justice professional work site under the supervision of the practicum supervisor and site manager. A series of integrative seminars (10 hours) will complement the site experience and allow students the opportunity to critically evaluate their experiences working with youth in the justice system.

Prerequisite: YJWD 100 or YJWD 1100 or (concurrent)

Practicum: 150 hrs/semester

Seminar: 10 hrs/semester

YJWD 2300 Group Dynamics and Activity Planning for the Youth Justice Worker (3 credits)

This course will provide students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for planning and running a variety of groups. Specific objectives include the understanding of group roles and dynamics and an examination of both theory and application related to group counselling and activity planning for youth. Students will be expected to demonstrate competency in leading both counselling and activity groups. Course content will emphasize the needs of youth involved in the youth justice system.

Prerequisites: YJWD 100 or YJWD 1100, and CYCC 1220 or CYCC 220 or YJWD 220 or YJWD 1220

Lecture/Practice: 60 hours

YJWD 2340 Youth Justice Worker: Practicum II (6 credits)

Calendar Description: This course will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate an ability to translate theory into practice. Each student will spend 180 hours in a youth justice professional work site under the supervision of the practicum supervisor and site manager. A series of integrative seminars (10 hours) will complement the site experience and allow students the opportunity to critically evaluate their experiences working with youth in the justice system.

Prerequisite: YJWD 240 or YJWD 1240

Practicum: 200 hrs/semester

Seminar: 10 hrs/semester

YJWD 2463 Community Practice: Mental Health for the Youth Justice Worker (3 credits)

This course explores the values, attitudes and beliefs of the youth justice worker and the knowledge and skills required to support and enhance wellness with individuals in the community who have mental illness. Students will have opportunities to explore the nature of mental illness through the eyes of individuals who have experienced mental health problems. Community resources and an overview of mental health services available for youth and their families will be discussed.

Prerequisites: YJWD 220 or YJWD 1220 or CYCC 220 or CYCC 1220