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PROPOSED
COMPETENCIES FOR
PROFESSIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH WORK PERSONNEL
DRAFT DOCUMENT FOR COMMENT*
MARCH 1, 2001
compiled and edited by: Martha
A. Mattingly assisted by Carol Stuart
associate editors: Karen VanderVen
* This document was posted
for comment on the acycp web site, http://www.acycp.org, until
April 27, 2001. It was then withdrawn and the comments forwarded
to the editors for consideration.
To: Colleagues in work with
children, youth and families
From: The North American Certification Project
This document is the result
of several years work by many North American colleagues.
Some worked directly with the data, and in drafting and editing
various sections of the document.
More colleagues than can be named responded with expert opinions
and additional information when called upon.
The draft document is now ready for comments by our professional
community.
When commenting please be as precise as possible. Specify the
particular section/s of the document which is the target of your
comment/s.
It is important that all comments be made on line by sending
a e-mail to
competency@acycp.org
NACP
The North American Certification Project
Contents: Project Background 4
Project organization 4
Guiding Foundations of the Project 4
Current description of the field 4
Guiding principles of the NACP 5
Levels of certification needed 5
Work of the Competency Group 5
Clarification of the Task 5
The process 5
Editing 6
Competency Document (Draft March 1, 2001) 7
Educational Requirement 7
Foundational Attitudes 7
The Competencies 8
I Professionalism 8
II Cultural and Human Diversity 10
II Applied Human Development 12
IV Relationship and Communication 13
V Developmental Practice Methods 16
Appendix A Ethics of Child and Youth Care Professionals 21
Appendix B Documents Collected 29
Appendix C Domain Team Participants 35
Appendix D A Framework for Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge 36
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Project Organization
The North American Certification
Project (NACP) (www.acycp.org/) arose from a broad opinion that
North American certification for Child and Youth Care Practitioners
is urgently needed. This project is a joint response of
-ACYCP (formerly NOCCWA), Association for Child and Youth Care
Practice (US)
-Council Canadian of Child and Youth Care Associations (CCCYCA)
- International Leadership Coalition for Professional Child and
Youth Care Work (ILC)
The project is under the overall leadership of David Thomas,
, and has three working groups:
- resources, public relations, and networking: David Thomas
- competency development: Martha A. Mattingly
- structure and implementation of the credential: Martha Holden
These organizations are formally
supporting (NACP)
1. Albert E. Trieschman Center
2. Association for Child and Youth Care Practice (formerly NOCCWA)
3. Child Welfare League of America
4. Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations (CCCYCA).
5. International Coalition for Professional Child and Youth Care
Work (ILC).
6. National Resource Center for Youth Services
Guiding Foundations of the
Project
The project has been guided
by the current description of the field and a set of guiding
principles
Current description of the
field
Professional Child and Youth
Care Practice focuses on infants, children, and adolescents,
including those with special needs, within the context of the
family, the community, and the life span. The developmental-ecological
perspective emphasizes the interaction between persons and their
physical and social environments, including cultural and political
settings.
Professional practitioners
promote the optimal development of children, youth, and their
families in a
variety of settings, such as early care and education, community-based
child and youth development programs, parent education and family
support, school-based programs, community mental health, group
homes, residential centers, day and residential treatment, early
intervention, home-based care and treatment, psychiatric centers,
rehabilitation programs, pediatric health care, and juvenile
justice programs.
Child and youth care practice
includes assessing client and program needs, designing and implementing
programs and planned environments, integrating developmental,
preventive, and therapeutic requirements into the life space,
contributing to the development of knowledge and practice, and
participating in systems interventions through direct care, supervision,
administration, teaching, research, consultation, and advocacy.
Guiding principles of the NACP
1. Inclusion: All national,
state, and local organizations, as well as persons concerned
with setting
standards for Child and Youth Care Practitioners are invited
and encouraged to participate
2. Credibility: The process is based on standards which are professionally
recognized and established by respected assessment methods
3. Generic Standards: The standards will be based on standards
applicable to all child and youth care
practice areas
4. Reciprocity: The credential will be designed to support and
encourage reciprocity
5. Ethics: The certification process and standards will be initially
based on Ethics of Child and Youth
Care Professionals (Appendix A) developed by the Association
for Child and Youth Care Practice (ACYCP, formerly NOCCWA) and
the International Coalition for Professional Child and Youth
Care Work (ILC). Other ethical statements can be included as
the collaboration develops.
Levels of Certification Needed
Discussions in a variety of
professional forums have led to the conclusion that three levels
of certification in Child and Youth Care Work can be considered:
entry level, first professional level, and advanced level.
The current focus of NACP is first professional level.
Work of the Competency Group
Clarification of the task
This is an unfunded project
with all participants, who are mature practitioners and academics
in the
profession, volunteering their time. Documents related to standards
and competency in the field were collected and reviewed (Appendix
B).
The task of the domain teams
resembled a meta-analysis. The database is the wisdom of our
past, but the field has and is changing. The domain team members
have an understanding of the changes and at least an educated
guess about future directions. In a sense, we stood on these
documents in order to look ahead.
The task was to use the documents
as useful, but to also including our interpretation of meaning,
fill in
gaps, remove what was not useful, articulate new directions,
make the language clear and direct, and to establish congruence
with current scholarship.
The process
From the database four domains
were identified: Professionalism, Applied Human Development
Relationship and Communication, and Developmental Practice Methods.
An additional domain, cultural and human diversity, which did
not emerge from the database was added. It is likely that culture
and human diversity did not emerge from the data base since many
documents are older and our discussion of culture and diversity
is a more recent phenomena.
Domain teams (Appendix C) focusing
on each of the competency domains were established.
Foundational knowledge and specific competencies were then developed
for each domain
The field of child and youth care operates within a developmental
ecological perspective. As such, this
perspective is also applicable to the practice of the art and
science of child and youth care. The domains of practice have
application in a range of contexts. Organizing the competencies
into discrete elements is useful for observing, assessing, and
testing specific areas and for the design of training curricula.
Professional practitioners have fully integrated the attitudes,
skills, and knowledge components into any action they engage
in and they adjust their practice according to the context .
Skills are demonstrated within a context in a manner that demonstrates
the practitioner's awareness of the meaning, atmosphere, and
nature of the activities in that context Communication
with a supervisor, (for example), is different from communication
with a youth, yet the basic skills would be described in the
same manner. It is the context within which the action occurs
and the integration of the appropriate attitudes and knowledge
that differentiate the application. While the skills and knowledge
within a particular subcategory of a domain are described in
a generic manner, when they are integrated with the foundational
attitudes for each contextual layer, their unique qualities emerge.
It is intended that each domain be developed by the professional
practitioner at the professional level through the contexts of
application: self, relationship, environment, organization (system),
and culture. The integrated qualities of a professional practitioner
detailed in Appendix D.
Organizing the competencies within the contexts of practice will
be a future project.
Editing
The compiled work of the domain
teams contained the material needed for the competency document.
This work was revising and edited by Martha Mattingly and Carol
Stuart. Karen Vander Ven served as an additional editor. Comments
received on this draft document will then be considered and revisions
made.
COMPETENCY DOCUMENT (DRAFT
MARCH 1, 2001)
Educational Requirements:
The objective of the North
American Certification Project (NACP) is to set credentialing
standards for
North America. However, it is important to recognize that there
are significant differences between the United States and Canada,
particularly in relation to educational programs.
In the United States, the baccalaureate
degree from a regionally accredited college or university will
be the minimal educational requirement to engage in the certification
process at the first professional level. The educational requirement
will be waived for an applicant who can document five years or
more of experience in the field for a 10-year grandfathering
period.
Educational standards for engaging
in the certification process for Canadians will be determined
by the
professional child and youth care community in Canada, using
the structures in place (motions passed at the ACYCP Annual meeting
on November 10-11, 2000). The Council of Canadian Child and Youth
Care Associations is developing a statement on educational requirements
It was further understood, but not the subject of an ACYCP motion
that the credential planning and implementation group could specify
whatever specific coursework and training may be deemed appropriate.
Such requirements would be for those applicants not using the
waiver of the educational requirement.
Foundational Attitudes for
Professional Child and Youth Care Work
The Child and Youth Care Professional
demonstrates the following attitudes which underlie all
professional work:
- accepts the moral and ethical responsibility inherent in practice
- promotes the well-being of children , youth and families in
a context of respect and
collaboration
- values care as essential for emotional growth, social competence,
rehabilitation, and treatment
- celebrates the strengths generated from cultural and human
diversity
- values individual uniqueness
- values family, community , culture and human diversity as integral
to the developmental and
interventive process
- believes in the potential and empowerment of children, youth
family and community
- advocates for the rights of children, youth, and families
- promotes the contribution of professional child and youth care
to society
The Competencies
I. PROFESSIONALISM
Professional practitioners
are generative and flexible; they are self-directed and have
a high degree of personal initiative. Their performance is consistently
reliable. They function effectively both independently and as
a team member. Professional practitioners are knowledgeable about
what constitutes a profession, and engage in professional and
personal development and self-care. The professional practitioner
is aware of the function of professional ethics, uses professional
ethics to guide and enhance practice, and advocates effectively
for children youth families and the profession.
A Foundational Knowledge
History, structure, and organization
of Child and Youth Care Work.
Resources and activities of CYC
Current and emergent trends in society, services, and in CYC
Structure and function of Codes of Ethics applicable to practice
which includes the Code of
Ethics, Standards for Practice of North American Child and Youth
Care Professionals
Accepted boundaries in professional practice
Stress management and wellness practices
Strategies to build a professional support network
Significance of advocacy and an array of advocacy strategies
Relevant laws, regulations, legal rights and licensing procedures
governing practice
B. Professional Competencies
1. Awareness of the Profession
a. Access the professional literature
b. Access information about local and national professional activities
(e.g., organizations, conferences,
and certification).
c. Access information about and discuss the current professional
issues and future trends and challenges in one's area of special
interest.
d. Contribute to the ongoing development of the field
2. Professional Development
and Behavior
a. Value orientation
(1). state personal and professional values and their implications
for practice including how
personal and professional beliefs values and attitudes influence
interactions.
(2). state a philosophy of practice that provides guiding principles
for the design, delivery, and
management of services.
b. Reflect on one's practice and performance
(1). evaluate own performance to identify needs for professional
growth.
(2). give and receive constructive feedback
c. Perform organizational duties
(1). know and conform to work rules relating to attendance, punctuality,
appearance, sick and
vacation time, and workload management
(2) personal appearance and behavior reflect an awareness of
self as a representative of the
organization
d. Professional boundaries.
(1). describe own needs and feelings and keeps them in perspective
when professionally engaged
(2). model appropriate interpersonal boundaries.
e. Staying current
(1) .keep up-to-date with developments in foundational and specialized
areas of expertise
(2). identify and participate in education and training opportunities
3. Personal Development and
Self Care
a. Self awareness
(1). recognize personal strengths and limitations, feelings and
needs
(2). separate personal from professional issues
b. Self care
(1). incorporate 'wellness' practices into own lifestyle
(2). practice stress management
(3). build and use a support network
4. Professional Ethics
a. Describe the functions of professional ethics,
b. Apply the process of doing ethics and ethics as positive practice
c. Apply specific principles and standards from the relevant
Code of Ethics to specific problems
5. Awareness of Law and Regulations
a. Access and apply relevant state and federal laws and licensing
regulations (e.g., staffing ratios,
confidentiality, driving laws, child abuse reporting, child youth
and family rights).
b. Use the proper procedures for reporting and correcting non-compliance.
6. Advocacy
a. Locate information on the rights of children, youth and families
b. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in use of advocacy
c. Ensure that children, youth and family views are heard and
considered during the decision making
processes which will directly effect them.
II. Cultural and Human Diversity
Professional practitioners
actively promote respect for cultural and human diversity. The
professional practitioner seeks self understanding and has the
ability to access and evaluate information related to cultural
and human diversity. Current and relevant knowledge is integrated
in developing respectful effective relationships, and communication
and developmental practice methods. Knowledge and skills are
employed in planning, implementing and evaluating respectful
programs, services, and workplaces.
A. Foundational Knowledge
The professional practitioner
is well versed in current research and theory related to cultural
and human
diversity including the eight major factors which set groups
apart from one another, and which give individuals
and groups elements of identity: age, class, race, ethnicity,
levels of ability, language, spiritual belief systems, educational
achievement, and gender differences.
Cultural structures, theories of change, values, within culture
variations
Cross cultural communication, History of political, social, and
economic factors which contribute to racism, stereotyping, bias
and discrimination
Variations among families and communities of diverse backgrounds
Cultural and human diversity issues in the professional environment
B. Professional Competencies
1. Cultural and Human Diversity
Awareness and Inquiry
a. Describe personal biases and stereotypes about others based
on age, class, race, ethnicity, ability,
language, spiritual beliefs, education, and gender
b. Describe interaction between own cultural values and the cultural
values of others
c. Describe own limitations in understanding and responding to
cultural and human differences
and seeks assistance when needed
e. Avoid stereotyping while accessing and using cultural information
f. Access, and critically evaluate, resources that advance cultural
understandings and appreciation of
human diversity
g. Support children, youth, families, and programs in gaining
resources which
advance cultural understanding and appreciation of human diversity
h. Support children, youth, families and programs in overcoming
barriers to services that are created as a result of cultural
and human diversity
2. Relationship and Communication
Sensitive to Cultural and Human diversity
a. Adjust verbal and non-verbal communication for the effects
of age, cultural and human diversity,
background, experience, and development
b. Describe the non-verbal and verbal communication between self
and others (including
supervisors, clients, or peer professionals).
c. Describe the role of cultural and human diversity in relationship
history and support the
development of healthy and productive relationships.
d. Foster affection and physical contact which is sensitive to
cultural and human diversity
e. Include consideration of cultural and human diversity in providing
for the participation of
families in the planning, implementation and evaluation of services
impacting them
f. Give information in a manner sensitive to cultural and human
diversity
g. Contribute to the maintenance of a professional environment
sensitive to cultural and
human diversity.
h. Establish and maintain effective relationships within a team
environment by: promoting and
maintaining professional conduct; negotiating and resolving conflict;
acknowledging and respecting
cultural and human diversity; and, supporting team members.
3. Cultural and Human Diversity
Sensitive Developmental Practice Methods
a. Integrate cultural and human diversity understandings and
sensitivities in a broad range of
circumstances
b. Design and implement programs and planned environments, which
integrate
developmental, preventive, and therapeutic objectives into the
life space, through the use of
methodologies and techniques sensitive to cultural and human
diversity.
(1). provide multicultural and human diversity sensitive materials
(2) provide an environment that celebrates the array of human
diversity in the world through graphic
art, diversity of personnel, program materials, etc.
(3) recognize and celebrate particular calendar events which
are culturally specific.
(4) encourage the sharing of such culture specific events among
members of the various cultural
groups.
c. Design and implement group work, counseling, and behavioral
guidance with sensitivity to the
client's individuality, age, development, and cultural and human
diversity
d. Employ understandings of human and cultural diversity in setting
appropriate boundaries and limits on behavior, including risk
management decisions
:
III APPLIED HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Professional practitioners
promote the optimal development of children, youth, and their
families in a variety of settings. The developmental-ecological
perspective emphasizes the interaction between persons and their
physical
and social environments, including cultural and political settings.
Special attention is given to the every day lives of children
and youth, including those at risk and with special needs, within
the family, neighborhood, school and larger social-cultural context.
Professional practitioners integrate current knowledge of human
development with the skills, expertise, objectivity and self
awareness essential for developing, implementing and evaluating
effective programs and services.
A Foundational Knowledge
The professional practitioner
is well versed in current research and theory in human development
with an emphasis on a developmental-ecological perspective.
Life Span Human Development Child/Adolescent Development (as
appropriate for the arena of practice), including domains of
Cognitive Development
Social-emotional Development
Physiological Development
Psycho-sexual Development
Spiritual Development
Exceptionality in Development including at-risk and special needs
circumstances
Family Development, Systems and Dynamics
Ecological Systems theory
B. Professional Competencies:
1. Developmental-Ecological
Assessment
a. Evaluate development in different domains and across different
contexts
b. Evaluate the developmental appropriateness of environments
for meeting the individual needs of
clients
c. Assess client and family needs in relation to community opportunities,
resources and supports
2. Developmental-Ecological
Sensitive Relationship and Communication
a. Adjust for the effects of age, culture, background, experience,
and developmental status on verbal and non-verbal communication.
b. Communicate with the client in a manner which is developmentally
sensitive and that reflects the clients' developmental strengths
and needs.
(1) recognize the influence of relationship history on the current
development of the client
(2) fosters affection and physical contact that reflects sensitivity
for the client's individuality, age,
development, and culture.
(3) responds to help-seeking behavior while encouraging and promoting
several alternatives for the
healthy expression of needs and feelings.
c. Give accurate developmental information in a manner that facilitates
growth.
d. Partner with the family in goal setting and designing developmental
supports and interventions
e. Assist clients (to a level consistent with their development,
abilities and receptiveness to access
relevant information about legislation/regulations, policies/
standards, as well as additional supports
and services.
3. Developmental-Ecological
Sensitive Practice Methods
a. Support development in a broad range of circumstances in different
domains and contexts
b. Design and implement programs and planned environments including
activities of daily living,
which integrate developmental, preventive, and therapeutic objectives
into the life space through the use of developmentally sensitive
methodologies and techniques
c. Individualize plans to reflect differences in culture/human
diversity, background, temperament, personality and differential
rates of development across the domains of human development
d. Design and implement group work, counseling, and behavioral
guidance, with sensitivity to the
client's individuality, age, development, and culture
e. Employ developmentally sensitive expectations in setting appropriate
boundaries and limits
f. Create and maintain a safe and growth promoting environment.
g. Make risk management decisions that .reflect sensitivity for
individuality, age, development, culture and
human diversity that also ensure a safe and growth promoting
environment.
4. Access Resources That Support
Healthy Development
a. Locate and critically evaluate resources which support healthy
development
b. Empower clients, and programs in gaining resources that support
healthy development
IV RELATIONSHIP AND COMMUNICATION
Professional practitioners
recognize the critical importance of relationships and communication
in the practice of quality child and youth care. Ideally, the
service provider and client work in a collaborative manner to
achieve growth and change. Practitioners develop genuine relationships
based on empathy and positive regard. They are skilled at clear
communication, both with clients and with other professionals.
Observations and records are objective and respectful of their
clients. Relationship and communication are considered in the
context of the immediate environment and its conditions; the
policy and legislative environment; and the historical and cultural
environment of the child, youth or family with which the practitioner
interacts.
A. Foundational Knowledge
Cultural differences in communication
styles.
Developmental differences in communication.
Communication theory (verbal and non-verbal).
Group dynamics and teamwork theory.
Family dynamics and communication patterns, including attachment
theory as it relates to
communication style.
B. Professional Competencies
Interpersonal Communication
a. Adjust for the effects of age, cultural and human diversity,
background, experience, and development of verbal and non-verbal
communication.
b. Demonstrate a variety of communications skills including:
Paraphrasing
Reflecting feelings
Empathy
Questioning, open and closed
Challenging
Self-disclosure
Describing behaviors
Summarizing
Problem solving
Developing action plans
Alternatives to conflict
Assertiveness skills
Awareness of communication roadblocks
Using 'I' messages
c. Recognize when a person may be experiencing problems in communication
due to individual or
cultural and human diversity history, and help clarify the meaning
of that communication and to
resolve misunderstandings.
d. Assist clients (to a level consistent with their development,
abilities and receptiveness) to understand
relevant information about legislation/regulations, policies/
standards, and supports pertinent to the focus of service.
e. Provide for the participation of children/ youth and families
in the planning, implementation and
evaluation of service impacting them .
f. Set appropriate boundaries and limits on the behaviour using
clear and respectful communication.
g. Verbally and non verbally de-escalate crisis situations in
a manner that protects dignity and
integrity.
2. Relationship Development
a. Engage in an ongoing process of self reflection about the
impact of the self in relationship in
order to maintain a full presence and an involved, mutual relationship.
b. Identify and demonstrate the personal characteristics that
foster and support relationship development: Respect, honesty,
predictability, contact, attentiveness, dependability, communication,
appreciation, shared interests, commitment, tolerance and flexibility,
mutual respect, compassion.
c. Explain, from the beginning of the relationship, the policies
and procedures regarding confidentiality, consent for release
of information, and record keeping. Follow those procedures in
a caring and respectful manner.
d. Develop relationships with service recipients that are caring,
purposeful, goal-directed and
rehabilitative in nature; limiting these relationships to the
delivery of specific services.
e. Set, maintain, and communicate appropriate personal boundaries
f. Assist clients to identify personal issues and make choices
about the delivery of service. g. Use structure, routines, and
activities to promote effective relationships.
h. Encourage children, youth and families to contribute to programs,
services, and support
movements that affect their lives by sharing authority and responsibility.
i. Develop and communicate an informed understanding of social
trends, social change and social
institutions. Demonstrate an understanding of how social issues
affect relationships between
individuals, groups, and societies
j. Develop and maintain relationships with community members
and neighbors in order to identify
community standards and expectations for behaviour that enable
children, youth and families to maintain existing relationships.
3. Family Communication
a. Assess the social ecology of clients by identifying relevant
systems/components, identifying and
describing the relationships, rules and roles in the child's
social systems and developing
connections among the people in the child's various social systems.
b. Recognize the influence of the child's relationship history
and help the child develop productive
ways of relating to family and peers.
c. Encourage children and families to share folklore and traditions
related to family and cultural
background. Employ strategies to connect children to their life
history and relationships.
d. Teach parents skills and attitudes which will help them to
experience positive and healthy
relationships with their children.
4. Teamwork and Professional
Communication Skills:
a. Establish and maintain effective relationships within a team
environment by: promoting and
maintaining professional conduct; negotiating and resolving conflict;
acknowledging individual
differences; and, supporting team members.
b. Explain and maintain appropriate boundaries with professional
colleagues.
c. Assume responsibility for collective duties and decisions
including responding to team member
feedback.
d. Use appropriate professional language in communication with
other team members, consult
with other team members to reach consensus on major decisions
regarding of children and youth
and families.
e. Build cohesion among team members through active participation
in team-building initiatives.
f. Collect, analyze and present information in written and oral
form by selecting and recording
information according to identified needs, agency policies and
guidelines. Accurately record
relevant interactions and issues in the relationship.
g. Plan, organize, and evaluate interpersonal communications
according to the identified need,
context, goal of communication, law/regulation, and ethics and
involved. Choose an appropriate format, material, language, and
style suitable to the audience. h. Acknowledge and respect other
disciplines in program planning, communication and report
writing using multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Communicate the expertise of
the profession to the team.
i. Establish and maintain a connection, alliance, or association
with other service providers for the
exchange or information and to enhance the quality of service.
j. Deliver effective oral and written presentations to a professional
audience.
k. Demonstrate proficiency in using information technology for
communication, information access, and decision-making.
V. Developmental Practice Methods
Professional Practitioners
recognize the critical importance of developmental practice methods
focused in CYC practice: Genuine Relationships, Intervention
Planning, Environmental Design and Maintenance, Program Planning
and Activity Programming, Activities of Daily Living, Group Work,
Counseling, Behavioral Guidance, Family (Caregiver) Engagement,
Community Engagement. These are designed to promote the optimal
development of children, youth, and families including those
at-risk and with special needs within the context of the family,
community and the lifespan.
A. Foundational Knowledge
Intervention theory and design
Environmental design
Program planning and Activity Programming including
- developmental rationales
- basic strategies of program planning
- specific developmental outcomes expected as a result of participating
in activities
- principles of activity programming, e.g. activity analysis,
adaptation,
strategies for involving youth in activities
- relationship of developmental processes to the activities of
daily living (eating,
grooming, hygiene, sleeping and rest
- the significance of play activities
- community resources for connecting children, youth and families
with activity and recreational
programs
Behavioral Guidance methods including conflict resolution, crisis
management, life space interviewing
Behavior Management methods
Counseling Skills
Understanding and Working with Families
Understanding and Working with Communities
B. Professional Competencies
1. Genuine Relationships
Practitioners recognize the critical importance of genuine relationships
based on empathy and
positive regard in promoting optimal development for children,
youth, and families. Forming and maintaining
such relationships is regarded as a central change strategy (method)
for CYC practice. This area is fully described
in section IV Relationship and Communication. The reader is referred
to this section for competencies and the
related foundational knowledge.
2. Intervention planning
a. Perform needs assessment b. Translate agency mission and group
objectives into individual treatment or developmental/
educational plans taking individual histories and interests into
account
c. Encourage client participation in assessment and goal setting
in intervention planning
and development of individual educational, developmental, treatment
plans
d. Integrate client empowerment and support of strengths into
conceptualizing and designing
interventions
e. Develop and present a theoretical/empirical rationale for
a
particular intervention
f. select and apply a planning model
g. select goals or objectives from treatment, educational, developmental
plans and design
activities, interactions, management methods that support these
goals and objectives.
h. work with client and team to assess and monitor progress and
revise plan as needed
3. Environmental Design and
Maintenance
a. Describe the messages conveyed by environment
b. Design and maintain planned environments which integrate developmental,
preventive, and
interventive requirements into the life space, through the use
of developmentally and culturally
sensitive methodologies and techniques
c. Arrange space, equipment and activities in the environment
to promote participation and prosocial behavior, and to meet
program goals
d. Involve clients in space design, and maintenance
4. Program Planning and Activity
Programming
a. Connect own childhood activity experiences and skills, and
adult interests and skills, to current work
b. Teach skills in several domains of activity, e.g. arts, crafts,
sports, games, music
c. Assists clients in identifying and developing their strengths
through activities
and other experiences
d. Design and implement programs and activities which integrate
age, developmental, cultural,
preventive, and interventive requirements into the life space.
e. Design and implement challenging age, developmentally, and
cultural and human diversity
appropriate activity programs
(1). perform an activity analysis, i.e. a scrutiny of how the
components an elements of an activity
match to the characteristics and dynamics of clients, and to
program goals
(2).assess clients interests, knowledge of and skill level in
various activities
(1) promote clients participation in activity planning
(2) select and obtain resources necessary to conduct a particular
activity or activity program (3) perform ongoing ( formative)
and outcome (summative) evaluation of specific activities/ and
activity programs
g. Adapt activities for particular individuals or groups including
special needs/at risk clients
h. Locate and critically evaluate community resources for programs
and activities and connect
children, youth, and families to them.
5. Activities of Daily Living
a. Integrate client's need for dignity, positive public image,
nurturance, choice, self-management,
and privacy into activities of daily living
b. Design and implement activities of daily living, which integrate
age, developmental, preventive, and
interventive requirements and sensitivity to culture and diversity
into the life space:
(1) well maintained clothing that reflects the age and cultural/
human diversity of the child
(2) pleasant and inviting mealtimes that encourage positive social
interaction
(3) age and developmentally appropriate bedtimes and rest opportunities
(4) clean and well maintained bathroom and bathing facilities
that allow age and
developmentally appropriate privacy and independence
(5) personal space adequate for safe storage of personal belongings
and for personal definition
through decorations that do not exceed reasonable propriety
c. Support caregivers in implementing activities of daily living,
which integrate age,
developmental, preventive, and interventive requirements and
sensitivity to cultural and human diversity
into the life space:
(1) age and cultural and human diversity appropriate well maintained
clothing
(2) pleasant and inviting mealtimes that encourage positive social
interaction
(3) age and developmentally appropriate bedtimes and rest opportunities
(4) clean and well maintained bathroom and bathing facilities
that allow age and
developmentally appropriate privacy and independence
(5) personal space adequate for safe storage of personal belongings
and for personal
definition through decorations that do not exceed reasonable
propriety
d. Design and maintain inviting, hygienic and well repaired physical
environments and
equipment and supplies which positively support activities of
daily living
e. Support caregivers in providing inviting, hygienic and well
repaired physical environments
and equipment and supplies which positively support activities
of daily living
f. Encourages client development of skills in activities of daily
living including:
(1) personal hygiene and grooming skills
(2) developing and maintaining areas related to daily living
e.g. maintaining living space, preparing and serving meals, cleanup
(3) socially appropriate behavior in activities of daily living:
respecting other's privacy,
expected grooming and dress for various occasions
6.Group Work
a. Translate individual goals into group goals and activities
b. Employ developmental practice methods in a group context
c. Facilitate groups by assessing the phase of group development
and selecting effective group facilitation methods
d. Use group process to promote program, group, and individual
goals
e. Use group work to encourage both individual and group prosocial
behavior eg acceptance of
newcomer, collaboration around goals and activities that promote
the welfare of the group
f. Mediate in group process issues such as introducing a new
member, loss of group member,
scapegoating, subgroup resistance
7.Counseling
a. Forming and maintaining relationships is the foundation for
counseling and is fully
described in section IV Relationship and Communication where
competencies and the related
foundational knowledge are listed
b. Has self awareness and uses oneself appropriately in counseling
activities
d. Able to assess a situation in the milieu or in individual
interaction and select the appropriate
medium and content for counseling.
g. Able to make appropriate inquiry to determine meaning of a
particular situation to a child
h. Encourage insight and problem solving
8. Behavioral Guidance
a. Assess client behavior including its meaning to the client
b. Design behavioral guidance around level of clients understanding
c. Assess the strengths and limitations of specific behavioral
management methods
d. Employ selected behavior management methods, where appropriate
e. Assist other adults, staff and parent, and caregivers in learning
and implementing appropriate
behavioral guidance techniques and plans.
f. Give clear, coherent and consistent expectations; sets appropriate
boundaries
g. Evaluate and disengage from power struggles h. Employ genuine
relationship to promote positive behavior
i. Employ developmental and cultural/diversity understandings
to promote positive behavior
j. Employ planned environment and activities to promote positive
behavior
k. Employ at least one method of conflict resolution
l. Employ principles of crisis management
(1) describe personal response to crisis situations
(2) describe personal strengths and limitations in responding
to crisis situations
(3) take self protective steps to avoid unnecessary risks and
confrontations
(4) dress for interventive contact
(5) employ a variety of skills to defuse a crisis
(6) describe the principles of physical intervention
(7) conduct life space interviews
9. Family (Caregiver) Engagement
a. Communicate effectively with family members
b. Partner family in goal setting and designing and implementing
developmental supports and
interventions
c. Identify client and family needs for community resources and
supports
d. Support family in gaining resources for interests, education
and the like, and in overcoming barriers to
such attainment
f. Advocate for and with family to secure proper services
10.Community Engagement
a. Access up to date information about service systems, support
and advocacy resources, and
community resources, law, regulation and public policy
b. Demonstrate the ability to initiate, create, and sustain collaborative
relations with other organizations
and persons
c. Facilitate client contact with relevant community agencies
Appendix A
ETHICS OF CHILD AND YOUTH CARE
PROFESSIONALS 1
INTRODUCTION : CHILD AND YOUTH
CARE - THE PROFESSION
North American Child and Youth
Care has been developing as a profession. "Characteristic
of professions are;
a systematic body of theory, professional authority, sanction
of the community, a regulative code of ethics and a professional
culture" (Greenwood, 1957). North American Child and Youth
Care has progressed in these areas. Ethics is the focus of this
presentation.
The International Child and
Youth Care Consortium developed a "Description of the Field"
which has become widely adopted (NOCCWA, 1992, p. 83). The profession
aims to address, as much as possible, the psychological, social,
cultural, spiritual and biological needs of young people and
their families. This may occur at different life stages or in
a variety of circumstances. In multidisciplinary settings, as
in mandated agencies, the profession is central in the care,
custody and treatment of youth. Child and Youth Care centers
on the client and utilizes skills and techniques which actualize
the processes of development and change. It includes the necessary
advocacy for youngsters and their families in powerless and often
hopeless situations. It captures the root value of "caring"
as an underlying factor and force vital in emotional growth,
rehabilitation, social competence and treatment.
The ethics, norms and knowledge
base of Child and Youth Care constitute the professional culture
which is a source of identity for all who participate in the
profession. The shared symbols and values bring together educators,
direct care workers and administrators. Practice and research
are articulated and validated in the journals and literature
of the profession. The profession's values underlie the mission
and management of Child and Youth caring organizations, employers
and the professional associations.
The development of a North American Code of Ethics for Child
and Youth Care is a benchmark for the
profession, The Code of Ethics unites the range of professional
roles and functions and relates them to common commitments and
shared responsibilities. The Code of Ethics establishes a framework
to guide thinking and practice for all Child and Youth Care Professionals.
References
Greenwood, E. (1957). Attributes of a profession, Social
Work, 3, 2, pp. 44-55.
NOCCWA (1992). The international leadership coalition
for professional child and youth care:Milwaukee, 1992,
Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 8, pp. 69-83.
1. This document was adopted by the National Organization of
Child
Care Worker Associations (NOCCWA) and has been circulated by
the
Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations.
CURRENT DESCRIPTION OF THE
FIELD
Professional Child and Youth
Care Practice focuses on infants, children, and adolescents,
both normal and with special needs, within the context of the
family, the community, and the life span. The developmental-ecological
perspective emphasizes the interaction between persons and their
physical and social environments, including cultural and political
settings.
Professional practitioners
promote the optimal development of children, youth, and their
families in a variety of settings, such as early care and education,
community-based child and youth development programs, parent
education and family support, school-based programs, community
mental health, group homes, residential centers, day and residential
treatment, early intervention, home-based care and treatment,
psychiatric centers, rehabilitation programs, pediatric health
care, and juvenile justice programs. Child and youth care practice
includes assessing client and program needs, designing and implementing
programs and planned environments, integrating developmental,
preventive, and therapeutic requirements into the life space,
contributing to the development of knowledge and practice, and
participating in systems interventions through direct care, supervision,
administration, teaching, research, consultation, and advocacy.
(Adopted by: Academy of Child and Youth Care Professionals, Child
and Youth Care Education Consortium,
International Leadership; Coalition for Professional Child and
Youth Care, and the National Organization of
Child Care Worker Associations - with an editorial revision.)
(Note: The following editorial
change has been suggested. In the first sentence omit the word
"normal" and change to read: Professional Child and
Youth Care Practice focuses on infants, children, and adolescents,
including those with special needs, within the context of the
family, the community, and the life span.)
CODE OF ETHICS
STANDARDS FOR PRACTICE OF NORTH
AMERICAN CHILD AND YOUTH CARE
PROFESSIONALS
International Leadership Coalition
of Professional Child and Youth Care
June 1995
Preamble
Professional Child and Youth Care is committed to promoting the
well being of children, youth, and families in a context of respect
and collaboration. This commitment is carried out in a variety
of settings and with a broad range of roles including direct
practice, supervision, administration, teaching and training,
research, consultation, and advocacy. In the course of practice
Child and Youth Care Professionals encounter many situations
which have ethical dimensions and implications.
As Child and Youth Care Professionals we are aware of, and sensitive
to, the responsibilities involved in our practice. Each professional
has the responsibility to strive for high standards of professional
conduct. This includes a commitment to the centrality of ethical
concerns for Child and Youth Care practice, concern with one's
own professional conduct, encouraging ethical behavior by others,
and consulting with others on ethical issues.
This ethical statement is a living document, always a work in
progress, which will mature and clarify as our understanding
and knowledge grow. The principles represent values deeply rooted
in our history, to which there is a common commitment. They are
intended to serve as guidelines for conduct and to assist in
resolving ethical questions. For some dilemmas, the principles
provide specific or significant guidance. In other instances,
the Child and Youth Care Professional is required to combine
the guidance of the principles with sound professional judgment
and consultation. In any situation, the course of action chosen
is expected to be consistent with the spirit and intent of the
principles.
PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS
I. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELF:
A. Maintains competency.
1.Takes responsibility for identifying, developing, and fully
utilizing knowledge and abilities for professional practice.
2. Obtains training, education, supervision, experience and/or
counsel to assure competent service.
B. Maintains high standards of professional conduct.
C. Maintains physical and emotional well-being.
1. Aware of own values and their implication for practice.
2. Aware of self as a growing and strengthening professional.
II. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CLIENT
2
A. Above all, shall not harm
the child, youth or family.
1. Does not participate in practices that are disrespectful,
degrading, dangerous, exploitive intimidating,
psychologically damaging, or physically harmful to clients.
B. Provides expertise and protection.
1. Recognizes, respects, and advocates for the rights of the
child, youth and family.
C. Recognizes that professional responsibility is to the client
and advocates for the client's best interest
D. Ensures that services are sensitive to and non-discriminatory
of clients regardless of race, color,
ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, age, gender, sexual
orientation, marital status, religion,
abilities, mental or physical handicap, medical condition, political
belief, political affiliation,
socioeconomic status.
1.Obtains training, education, supervision, experience, and/or
counsel to assure competent service.
E. Recognizes and respects the expectations and life patterns
of clients.
1. Designs individualized programs of child, youth and family
care to determine and help meet the
psychological, physical, social, cultural and spiritual needs
of the clients.
2.Designs programs of child, youth, and family care which address
the child's developmental status,
understanding, capacity, and age.
F. Recognizes that there are differences in the needs of children,
youth and families.
1. Meets each client's needs on an individual basis.
2. Considers the implications of acceptance for the child, other
children, and the family when gratuities
or benefits are offered from a child, youth or family.
G. Recognizes that competent service often requires collaboration.
Such service is a cooperative effort
drawing upon the expertise of many.
1.Administers medication prescribed by the lawful prescribing
practitioner in accordance with the
prescribed directions and only for medical purposes. Seeks consultation
when necessary.
2. Refers the client to other professionals and/or seeks assistance
to ensure appropriate
services.
3. Observes, assesses, and evaluates services/treatments prescribed
or designed by
other professionals.
H. Recognizes the client's membership within a family and community,
and facilitates the participation of significant others in service
to the client.
I. Fosters client self determination.
J. Respects the privacy of clients and holds in confidence information
obtained in the course of professional service.
K. Ensures that the boundaries between professional and personal
relationships with clients is explicitly
understood and respected, and that the practitioner's behavior
is appropriate to this difference.
1.Sexual intimacy with a client, or the family member of a client,
is unethical.
III. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE
EMPLOYER/EMPLOYING ORGANIZATION:
A. Treats colleagues with respect,
courtesy, fairness, and good faith.
B. Relates to the clients of colleagues with professional consideration.
C. Respects the commitments made to the employer/employing organization.
IV. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION:
A. Recognizes that in situations
of professional practice the standards in this code shall guide
the
resolution of ethical conflicts.
B. Promotes ethical conduct by members of the profession.
1. Seeks arbitration or mediation when conflicts with colleagues
require consultation and if an informal
resolution seems appropriate.
2. Reports ethical violations to appropriate persons and/or bodies
when an informal resolution is not
appropriate.
C. Encourages collaborative participation by professionals, client,
family and community to share
responsibility for client outcomes.
D. Ensures that research is designed, conducted, and reported
in accordance with high quality Child and
Youth
Care practice, and recognized standards of scholarship, and research
ethics.
E. Ensures that education and training programs are competently
designed and delivered.
1.Programs meet the requirements/claims set forth by the program.
2.Experiences provided are properly supervised.
F. Ensures that administrators and supervisors lead programs
in high quality and ethical practice in
relation to clients, staff, governing bodies, and the community.
1. Provides support for professional growth.
2. Evaluates staff on the basis of performance on established
requirements. V.RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY:
A. Contributes to the profession in making services available
to the public.
B. Promotes understanding and facilitates acceptance of diversity
in society.
C. Demonstrates the standards of this Code with students and
volunteers.
D. Encourages informed participation by the public in shaping
social policies and institutions.
2Client is defined as the child, family, and former clients.
----------------------------------------
CODES REVIEWED PRIOR TO DRAFTING
Child and Youth Care
Child Care Association of Pennsylvania: Statement on Ethical
Standards
Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations: Code of
Ethics
D.C. Association of Youth and Child Care Workers: Code of Ethics
Illinois Association of Child Care Workers: Code of Ethics
Maryland Association of Child Care Workers: Code of Ethics
(New York) Association of Child Care Workers, Inc.: Ethical Standards
of Child Care Worker
National Organization of Child Care Worker Associations: BasicPhilosophy
Oregon Child and Youth Care Association: Ethical Principles of
Child and Youth Care Practice
Quebec Association of Child Care Workers: Code of Ethics (Professional
Standards for Practice)
Texas Youth & Child Care Worker Association: Statement of
Basic Philosophy
Wisconsin Association of Child Care Workers: Code of Ethics
Codes of Related Organizations
American Personnel and Guidance Association: Ethical Standards
(revised 1974)
American Psychological Association: Ethical Principles of Psychologists
and Code of Conduct (1992)
Boy's Clubs Professional Association: Code of Ethics, Oath of
Service
British Columbia Psychological Association: Ethical Standards
of Psychologists (1985)
Canadian Association of Social Workers: Code of Ethics (1983)
Canadian Nurses Association: Code of Ethics for Nursing
Canadian Psychological Association: A Canadian Code of Ethics
for Psychologists
Child Life Council : Standards of Clinical Practice, Code of
Ethical Responsibility for Child Life Council
Members, and Child Life Philosophic Base
Coalition of Adult Education Organizations (CAEO): Guidelines
for Developing and Implementing a Code of
Ethics for Adult Educators
Council for Exceptional Children: Code of Ethics
Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia: Code of Ethics
Ministry of Health and Social Services (Quebec): Protocol on
the Minimal Guarantee of Protection for Youth
With Adjustment Difficulties in the Network of Treatment Centres
(June, 1988)
National Association for the Education of Young Children: Code
of Ethical Conduct and Statement of
Commitment National Association of Social Workers
S.Y.C.: Code of Ethics (draft)
U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (Adopted by the U.N.
General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989)
United Nations' Principles of the 1994 International Year of
the Family
Ville Marie Child and Youth Protection Centre, Shawbridge Youth
Centres, Youth Horizons, and Mount St.
Patrick Youth Center: Statement of Principles to Govern Standards
for Practices and Conduct with Respect to
Users (April 26, 1993)
Virginia Association for Youth and Child Care Education: Statement
of Ethical Standards
----------------------------------------------
Draft Committee for the International Leadership Coalition for
Professional Child and Youth Care
Jerry Landau
Shawbridge Youth Centres
Montreal, Quebec
Martha A. Mattingly
Child Care Association of Pennsylvania
3rd Vice-President, National Organization of Child Care Worker
Associations (NOCCWA) University of Pittsburgh
Gloriajean Murphy
President, Quebec Association of Child Care Educators
Batshaw, Shawbridge, Youth and Family Center
Montreal, Quebec
Peter Tompkins-Rosenblatt
Oregon Child and Youth Care Association
President, National Organization of Child Care Worker Associations
(NOCCWA)
Member Emerita
Sheilagh Griffin
Oregon Child and Youth Care Association
Past Director, National Organization of Child Care Worker
Associations (NOCCWA)
ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION
A Beginning List
As our Child and Youth Care professional community proceeds with
ethics work there are many issues which we must discuss and clarify.
A beginning list has been generated in the work of drafting this
document. Please keep them in mind and also identify additional
issues which should be added for our attention.
How do we meet spiritual needs ?
Should there be a standard related to a client's right to learn
from success and failure?
How can a strong developmental perspective be included?
It is critical to describe the limits of confidentiality, e.g.
subpoenas, funding sources, risk to client or others, danger
to self and others.
How do we define client, what is the time period?
What action is necessary if conflicts arise between these ethics
and employer/employing organization policies and/or practices?
What are the conflict of interest issues?
----------------------------------------------
Direct responses to: Martha A. Mattingly,
Program in Child Development & Child Care,
University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260, USA, Fax (412)624-6361,
e-mail:mattgly@pitt.edu
Appendix B
DOCUMENTS COLLECTED
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e-mail: cyd@aed.org .
AED/Center for Youth Development and Policy Research (Aug.,1996).
Best Practice in Youth Development:
People, Programs, Organizations and Communities. Same.
AED/ Center for Youth Development and Policy Research (no date).
Core Competencies from National Youth-Serving
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AED/ Center for Youth Development and Policy Research in Collaboration
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Association of Services for Children and Families (Oct., 1996
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Alliance for Early Childhood Education (1996). Position Statement:
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Contact: Roberta
Schomberg, Carlow College, Pittsburgh, PA.
Army School Age Assessment System and Competency Standards. (1995).
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Lutheran Social
Services, 705 Falconer St., Jamestown, NY 14701-1935 . Phone:
716-665-2116, Fax: 716-665-8034.
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National Association for the Education of Young Children: Washington,
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Child Welfare League of America. Material abstracted by Mick
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Child and Youth Care Worker Certification Institute (Texas) (
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Contact: Same, 6503-A Mapleridge, Houston, Texas 77081. Phone:
713-663-6919; Fax: 713-663-7109.
Child and Youth Care Worker Certification Institute (Texas) (
no date, likely 1998). Organization Overview.
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Chimney Rock, Houston, Texas 77081. Phone:
713-664-5518.
Child Life Council (1994). Official Documents of the Child Life
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same, p 11-15. (Child Life Council, 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite
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Ontario, Canada
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.
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Illinois Association of Child Care Workers ( June 12, 1982 ).
(no title given, document is in letter form, identified as the
necessary skills, and knowledge areas vital to the professional
child care person.)
Illinois (1995?). Child and Youth Care Certification Testing
Program at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Project
Director: Holly J. McCracken, M.A., Center for Legal Studies,
University of Illinois at Springfield, PAC 462, Springfield,
IL 62794-9243. Phone: 217-786-6343.
Illinois Dept. of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) (1993).
The Process to Develop and Support Resource Families: The Pride
Model. Child Welfare League of America. Institute for Human Services.
(1991). several short documents. What Is Curriculum?. Principles
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Kentucky Association of Homes for Children (Jan. 1993). Residential
Workers Competency Project
Occupational Analysis #1: Child Care Worker's Profile (shelter).
Northern Kentucky University, Social Services Training Center.
Kentucky Association of Homes for Children (Jan. 1993). Residential
Workers Competency Project
Occupational Analysis #2: Child Care Worker's Profile (group/residential).
University of Louisville, Seminar Center.
Kentucky Association of Homes for Children (Jan. 1993). Residential
Workers Competency Project
Occupational Analysis #3: Child Care Worker's Profile (treatment).
University of Louisville, Seminar Center. Kentucky Association
of Homes for Children (Feb. 1993). Residential Workers Competency
Project
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tasks). Training Resource Center, Eastern Kentucky University.
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Analysis: Group Home Branch, Juvenile Treatment, Assistant Principal.
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Q. & Pick, M. ( no date, post 1996). A Curriculum Guide for
Working with Youth (draft). Prepared for Dewitt Wallace-Reader's
Digest Fund, BEST Initiative, Child and Youth Care Learning Center,
University Outreach, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. KY IMPACT
Training and Design Committee (1996). Kentucky Impact Training
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Main St. Frankfort, KY 4062. Massachusetts Association of Child
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)
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Development Schools.
National Resource Center for Youth Services ( no date). flier
announcing National Residential Child Care Worker Certification.
University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK.
National Training Institute for Community Youth Work, no title.
Academy for Educational Development, 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW
9th floor, Washington D.C.
New England Regional Training Academy (revised 1/19/98). Child
and Youth Worker Core Training Program. Source, Andy Reitz. New
York City Training Consortium ( no date). Individual Training
Needs Assessment for Child and Youth Care Workers. (Developed
with CWLA). (Developed and formatted by the Institute for Human
Services,
Columbus, OH.) New York State Consortium for the Study of Disabilities
(1995). Concept Paper: National Certification of Direct Service
"Master-Workers" in the Developmental Disabilities
Field. From cover letter: Bill Ebenstein, City University of
New York, 535 East 80th St., New York, NY 10021. Phone: 212-794-5486.
North American Consortium of Child and Youth Care Education Programs
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(no date, but recent). Student Learning Outcomes for Master's
Specializations.
Contact: Norman Powell. Pittman, K. & Fleming, W.E. (Jan.,
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202-862-8820, Fax: 202-884-8404.
Ohio Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals (no date/
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Ohio Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals (update
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Professionals for Children Youth and Families (formerly Child
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Appendix C
Domain Team Participants
Shirley Atkins
Susan Bisewski-Eber
Mark Greenwald
Carol Kelly
Varda Mann-Feder
Martha Mattingly
Rosaleen Mazur
Gloriajean Murphy
Larry Pasti
Carol Stuart
Karen VanderVen
Varley Weisman
Appendix D
A FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATING
ATTITUDES, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE
Competence as a practitioner
arises from the integration of the attitudes, skills and knowledge
described in this document into the contexts in which CYC practice
occurs. Organizing the competencies into subcategories within
each domain is useful for observing, assessing, and testing specific
areas and for the design of training curricula. Professional
practitioners though, engaged in quality practice, have fully
integrated the attitudes, skills, and knowledge components into
any action they engage in and they adjust their practice according
to the context that they are in. This section presents a three-dimensional
framework to develop competency beyond entry level and the first
professional level of practice to advanced practice. Quality
practice with fully integrated attitudes,
skills, and knowledge occurs across the domains of practice in
which the skills have been previously described and is performed
in depth through five layers of context.
Knowledge
The knowledge foundation for each domain is described previously.
These areas of knowledge provide the background depth for the
demonstration of practice in multiple contexts. Through the demonstration
of skills, knowledge is applied in a manner that integrates theory
and fact with experiential knowing and foundational values and
attitudes. This integration results in high quality practice
as knowledge deepens and is applied to many and varied problems.
Mature practitioners recognize that theories and facts have multiple
applications. Developmental theory explains not just the behavior
of a child or youth but also the behavior of a co-worker OR the
way components of an agency relate to each other.
Contexts for Practice
Knowledge areas are relatively discrete for each domain of practice
but cross the layers or contexts in
which practice occurs. Skills are demonstrated within a context
in a manner that demonstrates the practitioner's awareness of
the unique meaning, atmosphere, and nature of the activities
in that context .While the skills and knowledge within a particular
subcategory of a domain are described in a generic manner, when
they are integrated with the foundational attitudes that define
each contextual layer, their unique qualities emerge.
An ethical decision making process is applied to a decision about
whether to report evidence of neglect of a child during a visit
with a family. In the practice milieu of family support, or supervised
access; the meaning of making a report; the number of people
and the nature of the effect of the report; and the activities
and responsibilities of the CYC are specific to 1 or 2 children
and their parents. A similar ethical decision making process
is applied to a decision about whether to report licensing violations
in a foster home or after school care visited by a CYC. In the
context of this organizational system though the meaning of making
a report; the number of people and the nature of the effects
are potentially much broader and involve more people. The application
of the skills of the ethical decision making process in each
circumstance is different. A mature practitioner at the advanced
level of practice brings a more integrated application of knowledge
and attitudes to the skill of ethical decision making, accounts
for more variables in the process, and may well arrive at a decision
faster and with greater clarity.
Similarly, developing a relationship and communicating with a
supervisor, (for example), is different
from communication with a youth, yet the basic skills could be
described in the same manner. It is the context within which
the action occurs and the integration of the appropriate attitudes
and knowledge that differentiate the application of these skills.
There are five contexts within which quality practice occurs.
These contexts may occur simultaneously or distinctly. 1. The
Self 2. Relationships 3. The Practice Milieu 4. The Organizational
System
5. Culture Each layer has a set of foundational attitudes that
cross all of the domains of practice. The nature of each layer
and the boundaries of its context are described below, followed
by a depiction of the integrated framework in three-dimensional
form. Following this, is a brief description of the nature of
integrated quality practice in each of the 25 intersections of
the domains of practice with the contexts of practice.
The self
Within the context of the self, practice focuses on the use of
self as a mediator of knowledge and skills.
Practitioners have insight into the factors of their own development,
the impact of self factors on practice interventions, and the
dialectic tension between using one's personhood in relationships
and their inter-personal communication with a client. They are
aware of and act on the limiting effect of professional client
boundaries on the relationship. They are aware of their culture
and its impact on their day to day practice and have a sense
of identity as a professional. Foundational to Child and Youth
Care is the use of self, but to make effective use of self in
practice one must first be aware of and able to articulate the
nature of the self.
Relationships
In the context of relationship, practice focuses on the form
and nature of interpersonal relations, both with clients and
with other practitioners. Practitioners actively develop relationships
with others through communication and shared activities. They
are conscious of the process of relationship development and
actively consider how the psycho-social developmental status
and culture of the other person and their own developmental history
and culture influence the nature of any particular relationship.
They are clear about the nature of personal and professional
boundaries with clients and co-workers and respectful of the
professional needs of others. All practice methods are implemented
using the interpersonal relationship as a foundation from which
development occurs.
Milieu
The milieu is the central context within which Child and Youth
Care practice occurs. The milieu is used to enhance the developmental
trajectory of children, youth, and families that participate
in it. In this context, practitioners are aware of the environment
and the multiple interactions and activities occurring within
that environment. They arrange environmental factors to offer
quality care, plan their communication with an awareness of the
activities of the milieu and the nature of interpersonal relationships
within it. They are able to integrate individual members of the
milieu into a group culture. They demonstrate professional behavior
reflective of the nature of their practice setting. Practice
milieus encompass many different settings as outlined by the
current description of the field:
Professional practitioners promote the optimal development of
children, youth, and their families
in a variety of settings, such as early care and education, community-based
child and youth
development programs, parent education and family support, school-based
programs, community
mental health, group homes, residential centers, day and residential
treatment, early intervention,
home-based care and treatment, psychiatric centers, rehabilitation
programs, pediatric health
care, and juvenile justice programs.
The organizational system
Child and Youth Care practice occurs within the context of an
agency or organizational system. Skilled
practitioners understand the nature of the system and its influence
on their practice and work to influence the system so that it
offers quality service to all clients. They interpret policy,
procedures, and legislation according to the nature of the developmental
status of their clients. Professional communication follows but
is not limited by the system requirements. The planning and implementation
of practice methods take into consideration the nature of the
system and its philosophical standpoint. Skilled practitioners
integrate the culture of the organization, their
own culture, that of their clients, and their co-workers by respecting
difference and negotiating a common understanding of right and
wrong within this context.
Culture
Culture is not just centered in race or ethnicity, but includes
the social and political norms, values, morals, faith, language,
and socio-economic status of a group of people with a common
history. Culture is both a domain of practice and a context within
which practice occurs. In the context of culture, skilled practitioners
bridge cultural differences through communication and respect
for individuals and groups. They actively seek an understanding
how culture influences the developmental history of persons and
how that may diverge from their own referential framework for
culture. Skilled practitioners recognize and adopt a professional
culture, without forsaking their own personal culture. In the
nexus of culture as a domain of practice and culture as a context
for practice differences are bridged across all other contexts
(layers) of practice.
A Relational Database for Professional
Practice Skills
The skill competencies outlined previously can be re-organized
in a manner that offers an integrated
picture of skills, attitudes and knowledge. This type of organization
is useful for determining training curricula that facilitate
transfer of learning to the workplace, where such skilled integration
is required in every interaction the practitioner has with a
child, youth or family. The skill competencies can be organized
according to sub-categories in the domains in the foregoing document,
but each competency could also identified as belonging to a particular
context for practice. As such, they can be re-organized, if desired,
into contextual layers of practice. This organization may assist
in our using the competency organization of this document to
develop application to entry level and professional level practitioners.
A professional practitioner might demonstrate skills in all of
these contexts. A beginning practitioner may only have skills
in the first 3 contexts. |
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