Course Overview:

This intensive course provides a deep dive into the critical issues surrounding family violence and child welfare, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to support survivors and protect vulnerable children within British Columbia’s social service framework. Students will explore trauma-informed practices, evidence-based intervention strategies, and the application of provincial policies, such as the Child, Family and Community Service Act, to address complex cases effectively. The curriculum emphasizes developing assessment tools, safety planning techniques, and collaborative approaches with community resources, preparing learners to respond to the unique needs of families experiencing violence or neglect. Through case studies, role-playing exercises, and workshops with local child welfare experts, students will gain practical insights into creating supportive environments, enhancing their ability to advocate for child safety and family resilience across diverse cultural contexts in BC communities.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their motivation, relevant experience, and career goals. An admissions interview may also be required to assess communication skills, professional awareness, and readiness for both academic study and practicum learning.
  • Because the program includes placements with vulnerable populations, applicants must provide a clear Criminal Record Check. Some sites may also require proof of immunizations, first aid certification, or other documentation to ensure safety and readiness for practicum participation.
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • To meet BC Health Care Assistant English Competency Standards, students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS: overall score of 6.0, with a minimum of 6 in Speaking/Listening, and not below 5.5 in Reading/Writing.
      • CAEL: overall score of 60, with no section below 50.
      • TOEFL iBT: minimum 76 overall, with no sub-scores lower than 20 (Speaking/Listening) and 18 (Reading/Writing), or
      • Another accredited equivalent score.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
    • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
    • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
      • Reading: 235
      • Writing: 235
      • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Identify and describe family violence scenarios using trauma-informed, culturally safe, and decolonizing approaches that respect the lived experiences of children, families, and communities.
  • Contribute to the development of child-welfare support strategies that align with provincial guidelines and incorporate cultural safety, Indigenous perspectives, and anti-oppressive principles.
  • Demonstrate supportive, non-clinical response techniques in simulated family violence cases, following agency protocols and recognizing when issues must be referred to qualified professionals.
  • Review and discuss the effectiveness of child protection policies—such as those affecting Indigenous and marginalized families—by examining systemic barriers, colonial impacts, and equity considerations.
  • Strengthen skills to support survivors of family violence in multicultural contexts by using culturally responsive communication, relational accountability, and decolonizing practices, while working within the limits of a frontline support role.

Course Content & Topics:

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)