Youth Justice

The Youth Justice Diploma Program prepares graduates to work with youth in a variety of settings and roles within the youth justice system. Program courses integrate theory with practical skills aimed at preparing the graduate to effectively assist youth in the justice system. This program is supported by employers and stakeholders from this specialized sector.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

Graduates from this program can choose from a variety of employment opportunities working with youth in conflict with the law. Settings encompass municipal and/or police-based, Crown-based or community-based programs. Specific examples include: Restorative Justice programs, court ordered programs, i.e. youth support, supervision and diversion programs, alcohol and drug programs; Aboriginal Youth Services programs; crime prevention associations; schools, i.e. youth crime prevention work (gangs, bullying, etc.).

Location

This program is offered at the New Westminster campus of Douglas College.
In September 2012, most CFCS programs are moving to the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. Please check with your program for more details.

Intake Dates/Application Deadlines

This program commences every September. The application deadline is April 1st of each year.

EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.

Other Information

Please note that shift work may be required in some practicums. Basic word processing skills are an asset.

Applicants are responsible for any costs incurred in the admission process.

English language skills are required for successful completion of the Youth Justice Diploma Program. Douglas College is committed to student success - we want you to experience success in your course work and your career.

This program offers a free information session.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Youth Justice Diploma Program is contingent upon availability of seats, meeting of all admission criteria and applicant ranking as determined by a process of selective admission evaluation. To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must meet all admission criteria. The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the admission criteria established for the program. Following this review applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria and their demonstration of communication skills, motivation to enter the program and knowledge of the demands of the profession. NOTE: Applicants are advised to meet all admission criteria as early as possible to demonstrate preparedness and motivation for obtaining a seat in the program.

1. General Admission Requirements
2. English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or approved substitution
3. Meet the minimum age requirement of 19 years by November 1st of the first semester.
4. Successfully participate in a formal orientation and selection process to determine suitability and readiness for training. Suitability is determined on the basis of an overview of an applicant's emotional stability, physical health, formal education, the ability to work in a team setting and life experience. Students attending limited enrolment programs, including those students on waiting lists, must maintain suitability as a condition of their names remaining in the roster of eligible students.
5. Criminal Record Search (CRS) - This program requires students to train in an environment that demands individuals to provide proof of a satisfactorily completed, current CRS for the protection of the clients. To meet this requirement, prospective students must submit to a current CRS as a condition of entry to the program. All costs related to the completion of this search are the responsibility of the individual student.
6. A medical declaration indicating a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health. The workload of the programs and the close contact with individuals in practical settings require students to be in good mental and physical health. Medical declarations are valid for one year.
7. Successful completion of 60 hours paid or volunteer experience in an approved setting.
8. Applicants are contacted by the Registrar's Office and advised of the program orientation meeting at which the dates for the screening process are confirmed. Attendance at both the orientation and screening process meetings is mandatory.

Program English Language Exit Requirements

1. In order to graduate with a Diploma in Youth Justice, students are required to meet CFCS exit writing standards. The CFCS exit writing standards are as follows:
   
   I) Satisfactory completion of workplace writing tasks in all YJWD work and
   II)
   1. "C-" or higher in CMNS 1110 or CMNS 1115 (or equivalent - see Transfer Guide)* or
   2. "C-" or higher in ENGL 1130 (or equivalent - see Transfer Guide)* or
   3. A satisfactory portfolio of workplace writing samples (upon special request by experienced practitioners engaged in PLAR only)

Credentials

The program offers a 60-credit, four semester Diploma.

Program Content

Semester I

Course	Title	Credits
YJWD 1100	Personal and Professional Issues For The Youth Justice Worker	3
CRIM 1100	Introduction to the Criminal Justice System	3
YJWD 1220	Counselling Skills for Youth Justice Workers	3
YJWD 1200	Behavioral Intervention Strategies For The Youth Justice Worker	1.5
YJWD 1240	Youth Justice Worker: Practicum I	4.5
		15

Semester II

CFCS 1130	Change and Development Lifespan	3
CRIM 1150	Introduction to Criminology	3
CRIM 1170	Introduction to Corrections	3
CRIM 1160	The Canadian Legal System	3
ENGL 1130 or	Academic Writing	3 or
CMNS 1115 or	Practical Writing	3 or
CMNS 1110	Workplace Writing for Child, Family and Community Studies	3
		15

Semester III

CFCS 1260	Community Practice: Addictions	3
CRIM 2253	Youth, Crime and Law	3
CRIM 2260	Criminal Law	3
YJWD 2300	Group Dynamics and Activity Planning For The Youth Justice Worker	3
YJWD 2463	Community Practice: Mental Health for the Youth Justice Worker	3
		15

Semester IV

CFCS 2333	Change and Development: Families	3
CRIM 2460	Community Practice: Abuse	3
CRIM 2251	Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour	3
YJWD 2340	Youth Justice Worker: Practicum II	6
		15
Total credits for diploma		60