Training of Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs)

What is a Child and Youth Care Worker (CYCW)? Who are they and what do they do ?

It is fair to say that the care we provide our orphaned and vulnerable children at Hearts of Hope is simply not possible without our  CYCW's. In South Africa, this is a skilled person with this specific qualification that is a minimum requirement for registration and to be able to receive children placed by the Children's Court. The CYCCW's have multiple, essential roles they fulfil within the organisation:

• Daily care and support
  Providing a safe, nurturing environment and meeting children’s basic needs: food, hygiene, clothing, health, and routine
  Supervising and supporting children’s daily activities, including homework, chores, recreation, and bedtime
• Developmental and therapeutic work
  Assessing each child’s needs, strengths, and challenges
  Contributing to and carrying out developmental plans and reviewing progress
  Teaching life skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social skills
  Managing behaviour using positive, strengths-based approaches rather than punishment
  Offering emotional support and responding to crises or trauma
• Protection and advocacy
  Safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and reporting concerns as the law requires
  Advocating for children’s rights and best interests
  Supporting children through court processes, placements, and transitions such as reunification, foster care, or leaving care
• Professional and administrative duties
  Keeping accurate records, daily reports, and incident notes
  Working with a multidisciplinary team of social workers, teachers, psychologists, and support staff
  Attending supervision, training, and case conferences
  Acting within the ethical code and legal framework of the profession

In South Africa, this work is guided by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and the Child and Youth Care Work framework, and CYCWs are registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

 As can be seen from the above, CYCW's in our environment are parents, counsellors, caregivers and advocates. They are a safe place for the children to come home to and are 'their person'.

Further education of our CYCW's is ongoing and supporting them in obtaining their next leverl of education - equivalent to first year university - is an acknowledgement of their value and an enormous contribution to their continued career growth and development. 

Enhanced skills provide the children with stronger and more stable relationships at home, informed behaviour management, stronger child protection and improved milestone development.