Professionalization of child and youth care in British Columbia : a case study
Date
1990
Authors
Rose, Leanne Elizabeth
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Abstract
This study examines the development of the child and youth care field in British Columbia, with a focus on its professionalization and readiness for a self-regulatory process.
Individual and focus group interviews were conducted with twelve informants from the child and youth care field. In addition, an analysis of records and documents pertinent to the purpose of the study were drawn upon to more fully understand child and youth care in British Columbia. The information gathered through these methods was subjected to a thematic analysis which illuminated a number of findings indicative of the fact that the structure of child and youth care has evolved considerably over the past twenty years.
First, that child and youth care in British Columbia has achieved a number of key elements necessary for professional status. Second, that the next logical step is to implement some form of self-regulation for practitioners in the field. Third, that this self-regulation should assume an enabling, supportive stance by allowing access through education, experience, or a combination of both. Fourth, that education of both the child care community and the community in general is important to the success of a self-regulatory program. Fifth, that a collaborative effort between those key institutions and organizations which impact upon child and youth care in B.C. is necessary for the development of a self-regulatory program.