Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care - OACYC

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Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care - OACYC

The Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC)
L'Association Ontarienne des Techniques d'?

Child and Youth Care Practitioners work with young children and teenagers to help them manage their physical, mental, emotional issues and problems. CYCs possess a special knowledge base and skill level that encompasses behaviour, mental health, development, environment and most importantly, therapeutic relationships.

06/10/2026

For Action Anxiety Day, we're encouraging a shift in perspective.

Anxiety in children and youth does not always present as worry or fear. It may appear as avoidance, perfectionism, irritability, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, or other behaviours that can easily be misunderstood.

Child and Youth Care Practitioners are trained to look beyond behaviour and consider the broader context of a young person's experiences, relationships, environment, and developmental needs. Through trauma-informed, relational, and strength-based approaches, practitioners work to understand what a young person may be communicating and how best to support them.

Recognizing anxiety is not about identifying a checklist of symptoms. It is about creating opportunities for connection, understanding, and meaningful support that help children and youth feel safe, heard, and empowered.

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06/08/2026

Sharing on behalf of ICCRP // The International & Canadian Child Rights Partnership's (ICCRP) Intergenerational Advisory Committee (IAC) convenes a series of roundtables to bring people together from different contexts, generations, and perspectives together to share their insights, questions, and advice on various topics.

This roundtable will focus on the children's rights theme of mental health and well-being. Panelists will include young and older IAC members located in diverse global contexts.

Zoom real-time translated close captioning will be used to allow for multi-lingual dialogue.

The information collected in this registration form will help the International & Canadian Child Rights Partnership (ICCRP) gain a better understanding of who is participating in the partnerships’ activities. Please only answer the questions you are comfortable with. Your answers will remain confidential. Responses without identifiable information will be used for internal learning and research purposes, and may be shared in public documents.

Please note the event may be recorded and shared publicly. Should you choose to make contributions during the event, you may be recorded and your likeness may be shared publicly by the ICCRP.

Register here: https://torontomu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DfFpBPOnQQSt3uckeYdw3Q #/registration

06/06/2026

National Indigenous History Month is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the histories, cultures, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

For those working within Child and Youth Care, it is also an important opportunity to reflect on the role that ongoing learning, accountability, and reconciliation play within professional practice.

Reconciliation requires more than awareness. It calls for continued education, meaningful reflection, listening to Indigenous voices and experiences, and examining how systems of care can better support Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities through culturally responsive and relationship-based approaches.

As professionals supporting children and youth across Ontario, continued learning and accountability remain essential in fostering safer, more respectful, and more inclusive spaces for Indigenous young people.

This month (and beyond) OAC*C encourages reflection, learning, and meaningful action in support of reconciliation. 🧡

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06/05/2026

Please take a moment to read this Joint Statement In Solidarity with Registered Social Service Workers and Child and Youth Care Practitioners, and Community Workers from The Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OAC*C) and The Ontario Social Service Worker Association - OSSWA.

06/03/2026

Pride Month is a crucial reminder of the importance of creating spaces where children and youth feel safe, respected, valued, and free to be themselves. 🌈

Child and Youth Care Practitioners play an important role in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through relationship-based, trauma-informed, and affirming approaches to care. Whether in schools, residential settings, community programs, or mental health services, fostering environments rooted in dignity, belonging, and inclusion can have a lasting impact on a young person’s well-being.

Affirming care means more than acceptance. It means listening without judgment, respecting identity and lived experience, advocating for safe spaces, and helping young people feel seen for who they are.

This Pride Month, OAC*C recognizes the importance of inclusive and compassionate practices that support children and youth in showing up authentically and safely in the communities around them. 💙

*C *CProfessionals

06/01/2026

Every child deserves care that recognizes their humanity, potential, and voice.

This International Children’s Day, we recognize the important role Child and Youth Care Practitioners play in supporting children and youth across Ontario through ethical, relational, and child-centred practice. 💙

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05/27/2026

Moments of escalation can be challenging. In Child and Youth Care, our role is not simply to manage behaviour, but rather to respond in ways that prioritize safety, dignity, connection, and understanding.

Trauma-informed de-escalation reminds us that behaviour is communication, and that regulation often begins in trust. By approaching these moments with curiosity, compassion, and a relational lens, practitioners can help create the conditions for safety, co-regulation, and repair.

Swipe through for a few trauma-informed de-escalation strategies every Child and Youth Care Practitioner should know. 💙

What approaches have you found helpful in your practice? Share below. ⬇️

05/25/2026

At the heart of Child and Youth Care is the belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. Through genuine relationships, everyday moments, and unwavering compassion, C*CPs continue to create spaces where growth, healing, and meaningful change can happen.💙

05/22/2026

A message to our OAC*C members and our C*C community.💙 We hear you, we are listening, and we want you to know that meaningful work is happening behind the scenes. Please take a moment to watch this short video message from OAC*C President, Coura Niang.

05/21/2026

Real change starts with people who genuinely care. 💙

Every day, Child and Youth Care practitioners across Ontario are creating safe spaces, building trust, supporting families, and showing up for young people in ways that often go unseen — but never unnoticed.

Thank you for the passion, empathy, and dedication you bring to this work. The impact you make through everyday moments and meaningful connections continues to create lasting change in communities across the province.✨

Address

C/o TMU, 99 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, ON
M5B2K3

Website

http://www.oacyc.org/

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