FAQs

Getting started

Is this program right for me?
What are the career prospects?
Why apply early?
How do I get into the program?
What about the required experience?

About the program

What about combining Criminology and Child and Youth Care?
What are the expectations for students in this program?
What courses will I take?
What are practicums?
What are the university transfer options?
Can I work during the semester?
I don't have the prerequisite yet for a course I need; what can I do?

Is this program right for me?

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth?  Students who become successful Youth Justice Workers tend to have the following qualities:

• Flexible in their thoughts and perspectives
• Open to others ideas and work well in a team
• Open to feedback with a willingness to learn
• Full of initiative

What are the career prospects?

Excellent. Youth Justice grads enjoy a hiring rate of virtually 100%. Learn more about career options and specialties here.

Why apply early?

There are several requirements to be accepted into this program, including required hours of related volunteer experience. Starting early will ensure you can complete the required volunteer experience and put together a complete application package.

How do I get into the program?

You'll need to meet several entrance requirements in this program. These include:

• evidence of 60 hours of related volunteer or paid experience 
• medical declaration
• Criminal Record Search
• age 19 by November 1 of your first semester
• successful participation in a Youth Justice orientation
  Get details and all requirements in the Calendar

What about the required experience?

Your required volunteer or paid experience:

• provides you with the opportunity to assess your interest and abilities in this field
• provides the program with a reference on your suitability and potential in this field

What about combining Criminology and Child and Youth Care?

• unique combination of instructors and content from Criminology and Child and Youth Care programs
• learn with excellent instructors with front-line experience
• gain realistic awareness of professional roles
• understand the policies and legal obligations of the youth justice system

What are the expectations for students in this program?

Expectations for students in this program are the same as in the professional workplace: punctuality, accountability and respect.

Courses in this program are different from University Transfer courses you may have previously
taken - attendance is mandatory. That's because your learning is based on interaction with your instructors and classmates.

What courses will I take?

Explore subjects such as:

• the Canadian Legal System
• Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
• Mental Health and Substance Addictions
• Abuse
• Counseling and Communication skills
• Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
  Get details and full course listings here

What is a practicum?

Also called worksite learning, it's a chance to practice your skills in a youth justice professional work site. You'll complete 2 supervised practica in the program, totaling over 300 hours of experience. Plus, many graduates find jobs through practicum contacts. Get more details here.

What are the university transfer options?

After graduating, some Youth Justice students focus on criminology while other look at child and youth care.  You may choose to pursue criminology with the completion of additional university transfer credit courses, or you may choose to continue your learning in child and youth care.  This can be pursued on campus at Douglas College with our Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.

For transfer details to other institutions, see the BC Transfer Guide at http://www.bccat.bc.ca/

Can I work during the semester?

Working is a necessity for many students and a fact of life. However, it is your responsibility to make your class schedule and work schedule compatible. This is particularly important with practicums. If you have registered for a practicum you need to be available for that practicum. This will require some planning and budgeting. We are committed to our responsibility to provide you with the opportunities for a quality education. However, you won't be able to take full advantage of those opportunities if your schedule has too many commitments. The first term is particularly challenging as classes are compressed into a busy 10-week period and then you have a five-week full-time practicum as well as Friday classes on campus. 

I don't have the prerequisite yet for a course I need; what can I do?

Speak to the course instructor about a Prerequisite Waiver. That will allow you to register if there is space in the course and you have a valid reason for not having the prerequisite and the instructor is convinced that your lack of the prerequisite will not cause you to struggle in the course.