The Past, Present, and Future of Child and Youth Work: A Sociohistorical Account and Look Forward

Authors

  • Dr.Christina L. Scanlon University of Chicago
  • Dr. Andrew Schneider-Muñoz
  • Dr. Karen VanderVen
  • Jody Rhodes, MS, CYC-P

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jcycw.2025.478

Abstract

Child and youth care (CYC) has developed from an informal caregiving practice to a recognized profession requiring specialized training, professional development, and strategic coordination. This article traces the evolution of CYC from its early roots to current efforts in enhancing professionalism and certification. Additionally, it explores future directions that will shape the profession, including the ongoing need for universal credentialing, workforce development, and global engagement. By addressing these key areas, this article offers a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the field of child and youth care to better serve vulnerable populations across diverse settings.

References

Curry, D., Qaqish, B., Carpenter-Williams, J., Eckles, F., Mattingly, M., Stuart, C., & Thomas, D. (2009). A national certification examination for child and youth care workers: Preliminary results of a validation study. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 22, 144-162.

Eckles, F., Carpenter-Williams, J. Curry, D., Mattingly, M., Rybicki, M., Stuart, C., Bonsutto, A. M., Thomas, D., Kelly, C., VanderVen, K., Wilson, C., Markoe, J., Wierzbicki, S., & Wilder, Q. (2009). Final phases in the development and implementation of the North American Certification Project. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 22, 109-143.

Leadership Coalition (1992). International Leadership Coalition for Professional Child and Youth Care: Milwaukee, 1992. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 8, 69-81.

Mattingly, M. A. (1995). Developing professional ethics for child and youth care work: Assuming responsibility for the quality of care. Child and Youth Care Forum, 24(6), 379-391.

Scanlon, C. L., Eckles, F., Klemm, L., Curry, D., Belmont, A. M., & Plevniak, K. A. (2021). ACYCP completes benchmark issues and salary survey. https://acycp.org/images/pdfs/ACYCP-Completes-Benchmark-Issues-and-Salary-Study-Dec-2020.pdf

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Published

2025-10-22

How to Cite

Scanlon, D. L., Schneider-Muñoz, D. A., VanderVen, D. K., & Rhodes, MS, CYC-P, J. (2025). The Past, Present, and Future of Child and Youth Work: A Sociohistorical Account and Look Forward. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 31. https://doi.org/10.5195/jcycw.2025.478

Issue

Vol. 31 (2025): Special Ethics Edition

Section

Special Features

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Dr.Christina L. Scanlon, PhD, Dr. Andrew Schneider-Muñoz, Dr. Karen VanderVen, Jody Rhodes, MS, CYC-P

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