Working with Youth and Families

Youth are highly diverse group and vary in age, development, culture, religion, sexual orientation, skills, capacities, interests and strengths. This course examines youth in a system of relationships with family, peers, their community and others, and the ways members of this system can have a significant impact on substance use, other addictions and mental health. Students are introduced to current issues in addiction and mental health in youth, risk factors, developmental and other considerations for assessment, treatment counselling, relapse prevention, maintenance and other supports including harm reduction and skill building strategies.