Challenges That Child & Youth Care Workers Face
November 22nd, 2016 / By Eastern College
Working with children has a special set of challenges no matter what your vocation. Those challenges can increase considerably when the clients in question are dealing with issues that have a negative effect on their lives.
Troubled youth can face a set of circumstances that puts them at risk in several respects, making treatment and rectifying of their issues difficult.
Child and Youth Care Workers play a variety of roles, but their primary function is to act as role models to young people and support them through social and collaborative activities.
Language and Education Barriers
Depending on where you work, you may deal with clients that either do not share a language with you or are not fluent in the one the two of you speak. Child and youth care workers also often work with the client’s parents, and there are times when communication with them will be a challenge for those same reasons.
These factors not only make it difficult to share important information, but also establish the necessary level of trust between everyone involved.
Housing
If the client cannot stay in their family home, they will often either couch surf or live on the streets. One of the ways to introduce stability into someone’s life is to provide them with safe and consistent housing. When someone has a roof over their heads that is one less thing for them to worry about. This makes it more likely they can consider the possibilities of addressing other difficulties.
Mental Health Problems
Some youth present with persistent depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. These make it a challenge for them to stay in school, hold a job, or live up to regular societal expectations.
Motivating and reaching these clients can prove quite tricky. It can also be tough to find them the right mental health supports.
Health Concerns
Young clients may present in poor shape due to a variety of factors. They may be malnourished, suffering from a persistent health concern that requires proper treatment, or suffering from the effects of drug and/or alcohol abuse. All of these factors can impair their ability to work with a child and youth care worker and fulfill the obligations that come from such an association.
Child and youth care workers require a detailed education to serve their clients well and Eastern College’s program offers all of the essentials for those hoping to enter the field. The 63-week course at our Halifax campus provides detailed classroom instruction, guest speakers from this field, and a six-week field placement. Graduates have the qualifications to pursue such positions as Youth Worker, Family Support Worker, Child/Youth Care Worker, or Family-School Liaison Worker.
Contact Eastern College now for more information about our Child and Youth Care Worker program and the start date for our next round of classes!
With addiction being an issue more families are dealing with, Eastern College also offers the Child and Youth Care With Addictions Support Worker program, offering you the tools to help deal with their children’s addiction issues.