National Safe Place Network is pleased to partner with the Academy for Competent Youth Work to provide Child and Youth Care (CYC) Certification training. The Academy for Competent Youth Work is effectively transforming the practice of child and youth care by focusing on these core goals: 1) Prepare a competent, international youth care workforce; 2) Help youth care organizations develop and implement research-based best practices; 3) Advocate for quality services for children, youth, and families; and 4) Advocate on behalf of Child and Youth Care Practitioners. 

Through this partnership, NSPN offers the official "Child and Youth Care: Foundations" course and certification exam. Participants may pursue certification at the basic and associate levels (national certification) or the professional level (international certification).

There are many benefits to becoming a certified youth care worker:

• Receive the benefits of high-quality, cost-effective training that builds on individual experiences of child and youth workers.
• Become part of a competent, certified group of child and youth care workers advancing the youth services field.
• Individuals with varying levels of experience are welcome.
• Discounted course registration fees available for NSPN members and licensed Safe Place agencies. Course registration is free for FYSB-funded RHY grantee agencies.

The "Child and Youth Care: Foundations" course covers the following areas of focus:

• Introduction to Professional CYC Practice
• Professional Ethics and Regulation
• Brain-based Guidance Techniques
• Assessment and Documentation
• Communication
• Developmentally-based Programming
• Relationship Development
• Group Work
• Activity Development and Leadership
• Supervising Children and Youth
• Cultural Diversity

Visit www.nspnetwork.org/cyc-2023 to register for this year's CYC: Foundations course.