Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker Diploma
Build a meaningful career in mental health and community services through practical training and real-world experience supporting children, youth, and families.
Your Future as a Child and Youth Care Worker
As a graduate of this child and youth worker diploma, you'll be prepared to provide support, guidance, and advocacy for young people and families facing emotional, behavioural, or addiction challenges, helping them build resilience and thrive within schools, community programs, and care settings.
Why This Program Stands Out
Specialized Training:
Master key skills to support children, youth, and families facing challenges.
Real-World Experience:
Complete supervised placements in community agencies, working directly with at-risk children and youth.
Career-Focused Path:
72-week CYC program empowers you with hands-on training and human services knowledge to build a meaningful career.
Leading-Edge Support:
Industry-expert instructors, a committed team with a 140-year track record of student support.
Career Services – for Life:
Resume building, interview prep, job fairs – all you need to land your first, or next, career.
What To Expect
- 01
72-week, full-time program with two supervised field placements totaling 500 hours.
- 02
Curriculum integrates child and youth development, counselling strategies, and addiction awareness.
- 03
Build confidence, communication, and practical skills to support diverse individuals and families.
What You'll Learn
Tap a card to explore the curriculum.
Ask Your Admissions Advisor About Financial Aid
Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify
Admissions Readiness Hub
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent; OR be at least 18 years of age and pass the Wonderlic Test (a Superintendent approved qualifying test).
Career Outlook
Graduates of our child and youth care program are qualified to work in these careers:
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Addictions Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Group Home Counsellor
- Community Outreach Worker
- Residential or Community Youth Program Support
- Recovery, Detox, or Outreach Program Facilitator
- Community, School, or Crisis Intervention Assistant
- Parent Education, Advocacy, and Resource Coordination
- Behavioural, Emotional, or Developmental Support Services
- Nonprofit, Settlement, or Youth Engagement Programs
Employment prospects for child and youth care workers in Ontario remain strong, reflecting consistent demand across community, education, and healthcare sectors, driven by expanded mental health initiatives, youth support programs, and addiction recovery services.
Where CYC graduates can apply their skillset:
- Youth and family resource centres – counselling and mentorship
- Schools and alternative education programs – student support services
- Residential treatment facilities – addiction and recovery care
- Group homes – daily living and behavioural support
- Community service agencies – prevention and advocacy programs
- Shelters and crisis centres – frontline assistance for youth and families.
How We Prepare You for Success
In-depth CYC program in small classes, taught by industry experts with real-world experience.
Hands-on training in two supervised practicums (500 hours), in community, residential, and school-based settings.
Anderson is student-centred and has been a partner to over 150,000 students, over 140 years.
Career services team empowers you – resume build, interview prep, job fair connect - to stand out to employers - for life!
Alumni network access – from job leads to career growth through networking with Anderson grads and leading professionals.
Is a Child and Youth Care Worker career right for you?
This three-minute online quiz reveals your strengths, communication style, and ideal career. Before pursuing training, get your personalized results and discover whether an addictions and mental health diploma is the best path for you.
Take the Child and Youth Care Career Discovery QuizFunding your Child & Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker Program
Multiple financial-aid pathways — from government loans and bursaries to interest-free college financing. Pick the path that matches how you'd like to fund your studies.
Tuition Fees: For the most current and detailed information on program-specific fees, please contact our Admissions team directly; we'll be happy to discuss the details with you.
Financial Aid: We aim to make the financial part of this process as easy to navigate as possible. We're here to help and are happy to support as you survey your options.
Please Note: Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
For detailed information or to discuss your eligibility for financial support, please reach out to our Admissions team.
Loans & Grants
Personal Financing
Education Savings & Tax Benefits
See It in Action
Verified Reviews
Anderson College changed my career trajectory. The instructors were industry professionals who genuinely cared about my success, and the hands-on training prepared me for my first interview. I felt confident walking in and got the offer the same week.
I was nervous about going back to school as a working parent, but the faculty and student services team made the experience manageable. The schedule worked around my life, and the career support didn't stop after graduation — they helped me land my first role.
The class sizes are small, so you actually build relationships with your instructors and classmates. Every concept was reinforced through real workplace scenarios, and the placement experience put me ahead of other candidates when I started applying for jobs.
What stood out for me was how current the curriculum is — we worked with the same tools and protocols used in the field today. The financial aid team also made tuition manageable. I'd recommend Anderson to anyone serious about a career change.
Get Your Custom Program Information Package
Answer a few quick questions to discover the program, campus details, dedicated faculty, and Anderson's unwavering commitment to your success. Your journey to excellence starts here.
Still Have Questions?
Child and youth care professionals support children, youth, and families facing emotional, behavioural, or addiction challenges, helping them build resilience, develop life skills, and access community resources.
Faculty
Experienced, industry-expert instructors who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
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Ready to launch your CYC career?
Your career in child and youth care begins right here, right now. Take the first step toward your future in a rewarding, in-demand field; within 72 weeks, you could be celebrating a new and thriving career supporting children, youth, and families toward brighter futures.
Get Your Custom Program Information Package
Answer a few quick questions and an Admissions Advisor will share program details, campus options, funding pathways, and the next steps tailored to your goals.