Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Credits
60.00
Length of Program
Four semesters
Credential Type
Diploma
Do you want to make a positive difference the lives of young offenders or youth at risk of offending? Help improve the lives of young people in your community or who are involved in the justice system with a career in youth justice.
Unique in British Columbia, Douglas College’s two-year Youth Justice Diploma program blends studies in child and youth counselling, criminology and youth justice. Courses in behaviour theory, public policy, skill development and professional practice, plus real-world experience through two practicum placements, ensure you are prepared to effectively assist at-risk youth or those who are already involved in the justice system once you graduate.
Get hired
The Youth Justice program at Douglas College enjoys an excellent reputation with employers, with many offering our students practicum positions and full-time jobs. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for careers in a variety of social-service settings, including community and government agencies, school settings, treatment programs and justice system settings. Social and community service workers are in high demand in B.C., with 11,000 job openings expected between 2019 and 2029. Workers in this industry can expect a median salary of $42,108 annually, with opportunities to advance in both pay and position as management-level roles for social, community and correctional services are also expected to increase in the coming years.
Further your studies
The Youth Justice Diploma transfers into the third year of Douglas College’s Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care and the second year of Douglas’s Bachelor of Social Work. The diploma credits can also be used to fulfill some of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Criminology.
The diploma also transfers to the third year of Royal Roads University’s Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies program, which can be completed in one year on campus, or two years online (with short on-campus residencies).
Graduation Requirements:
Program Requirements:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
|
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System |
3.00 |
|
|
Personal and Professional Issues For The Youth Justice Worker |
3.00 |
|
|
Understanding Aboriginal Perspectives And Experiences |
3.00 |
|
|
Counselling & Relationship Building With Children And Youth |
3.00 |
|
|
Youth Justice: Practicum I |
4.50 |
|
|
Introduction to Criminology |
3.00 |
|
|
The Canadian Legal System |
3.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3.00 |
|
|
Change and Development Lifespan |
3.00 |
|
|
Continuum of Substance Use |
3.00 |
|
|
Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour |
3.00 |
|
|
Youth, Crime and Law |
3.00 |
|
|
Criminal Law |
3.00 |
|
|
Change and Development: Families |
3.00 |
|
|
Mental Health In Childhood & Adolescence |
3.00 |
|
|
Family Violence and Abuse |
3.00 |
|
|
Group Dynamics and Activity Planning For The Youth Justice Worker |
3.00 |
|
|
Youth Justice: Practicum II |
4.50 |
|
|
Select one course from the following 3 options: |
|
|
|
Workplace Writing for Child, Family and Community Studies |
3.00 |
|
|
Practical Writing |
3.00 |
|
|
Academic Writing |
3.00 |
|
|
TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS |
|
60.00 |
You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page.
Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.
Unique in British Columbia, the Douglas College Youth Justice program enjoys an excellent reputation with employers. Because they possess job-ready skills, Douglas graduates are in high demand, with many employers offering practicum placements that often lead to permanent positions. Students do practicums in a variety of settings, including schools, youth centres, custodial settings for young people in conflict with the law, community policing, victim services, outreach services and support services. Graduates receive support in the transition from classroom to career through networking opportunities, exposure to agencies in the youth justice community, professional development and the Career Centre.
Graduates are prepared for work in a variety of social-service settings, such as community or government agencies, schools, treatment programs and justice system settings. Employment opportunities include:
Additional employment opportunities may be available for students who continue on to a degree program. Refer to the university transfer options section for more information.
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Please note that shift work may be required in some practicums. Basic word processing skills are an asset.
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.