Youth Justice (Diploma)

The Youth Justice department is looking for students who endeavour to improve the lives of people in their community. A special emphasis is placed on supporting youth who are currently, or at-risk of becoming, involved with the justice system.  Applicants should have an interest in youth justice, youth engagement, and trauma-informed practice. We welcome applicants with lived experience and young people in and from the care system.

Please see the Career Pathways tab.

The program is full-time. Courses may be scheduled Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm. Practicum schedule will align with agency operation and may include evenings or weekends. If a full-time program does not fit with your current responsibilities, please connect with yj@douglascollege.ca to discuss your options.

A new cohort of students is admitted each September and the program is four semesters long (approximately two years). For example, if admitted in September 2023, you would finish the program in June 2025. There are no courses scheduled for the summer semester.

All classes take place at our Coquitlam Campus, 1250 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam.

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Please see the Program Requirements tab for courses required in the program. The pre-requisites for the required courses are listed under each individual course.  

There are no pre-requisites required for admission into the program. 

-Lecture method/lab

-Collaborative learning style

Also called work-based learning, practicum is a chance to practice your skills in a youth justice setting. The YJ program includes two practicum placements--these occur in the second year (semester 3 and semester 4). These are arranged by the Youth Justice Program, in consultation with students. An additional criminal record check may be required.

Youth Justice Diploma graduates may continue their studies at Douglas College by completing a bachelor’s degree in Applied Criminology, Child and Youth Care or Social Work. The diploma can also be applied toward the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University, with a two-year block transfer into the third year of the program. Many of Youth Justice courses transfer to other post-secondary institutions, including University of the Fraser Valley, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria.

For transfer details to other institutions, see the BC Transfer Guide.

Attendance is mandatory for all classes, as learning is formatted around interaction with instructors and classmates.

Summer Semester break, Winter break, 1-week reading break during the Winter Semester.

Employment is a necessity for many students. It is a student’s responsibility to align their academic and work schedules, particularly during practicums. A student must be available for their practicum placements, which may require advanced planning and budgeting.