Course

Advanced Practice with Families in CYC

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Child and Youth Care
Course code
CYCC 4469
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
35
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course examines theoretical frameworks for understanding family systems and their relevance to CYC practice. Students will explore how to work alongside families in ways that are relational, collaborative, strengths-based, and culturally grounded. Systems-oriented assessment approaches are introduced to support comprehensive understanding and engagement with families across diverse care settings.
Course content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  • Examination of key theoretical perspectives that inform family work, including -- but not limited to -- family systems theory, Indigenous holistic theory, queer theory, anti-oppressive and anti-racism theories, feminist theory, and social constructionism.
  • Recognition that families vary widely in structure and identity, and undergo continuous change and transitions throughout the course of life.
  • Emphasis on relational approaches rooted in respect, empathy, and collaboration, while also addressing how socio-political, cultural, historical, and economic factors shape family experiences - particularly for Indigenous and other marginalized communities.
  • Use of holistic and strengths-based assessment tools that engage families as partners in identifying needs, capacities and goals.
  • Development of practical skills in co-creating intervention strategies grounded in theory and responsive to the realities of children, youth, and their families.
  • Development of professional knowledge and relational skills to build trusting partnerships with families while, simultaneously, enhancing the ability to identify, access, and connect families with appropriate resources and supports.
  • Critical reflection on the CYC practitioner's own family of origin, social location and values, and how these influence practice with families.
Learning activities
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Role plays of practice
  • Case consultation
Means of assessment

Typical means of evaluation will include a combination of:

  • Exams and/or quizzes
  • Written assignments
  • Presentations
  • Video recordings of practice skills
  • Participation

This is a letter-graded course.

Instructors may use a student's record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as a part of the student's graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation must be clearly defined in the instructor's Course Outline.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of relational, anti-oppressive, and culturally grounded approaches to working alongside diverse families.
  2. Apply systems and family theories to inform critical thinking, assessment, and practice interventions.
  3. Collaboratively identify family needs and strengths, and co-develop supportive, strengths-based plans of care.
  4. Mobilize internal and external resources to support children, youth, and their families.
  5. Engage professionally as CYC practitioners within their own teams and across service networks, with strong awareness of community resources and how to connect families to appropriate supports.
Textbook materials

Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for CYCC 4469
Simon Fraser University (SFU) No credit
Trinity Western University (TWU) No credit
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC SOCW 450 (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV CYC 469 (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2027

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
18
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
18
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. B
Room
B2320
Times:
Start Time
11:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section notes

CYCC 4469 001 is restricted to full-time BACYCC students.  On November 25, 2026, at 9:00AM, registration for this course opens to all BACYCC students. CYCC 4469 001 and 002 will run together. Please ensure all course pre-requisites are completed prior to registration.

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
17
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
17
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. B
Room
B2320
Times:
Start Time
11:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section notes

CYCC 4469 002 is restricted to full-time BACYCC students.  On November 25, 2026, at 9:00AM, registration for this course opens to all BACYCC students. CYCC 4469 001 and 002 will run together. Please ensure all course pre-requisites are completed prior to registration.

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
17
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
17
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. B
Room
B2320
Times:
Start Time
17:30
-
End Time
20:20
Section notes

CYCC 4469 003 is restricted to part-time BACYCC students.  On November 25, 2026, at 9:00AM, registration for this course opens to all BACYCC students. Please ensure all course pre-requisites are completed prior to registration.