Graduate Certificate in Supporting Foster Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
Published on June 18, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be speaking with an expert in the field of juvenile justice and child welfare. We're here to discuss a new Graduate Certificate program that focuses on supporting foster youth within the juvenile justice system. Could you start by sharing a bit about your background and experiences related to this topic? GUEST: Absolutely, I've worked as a social worker for over 15 years, primarily with youth in the foster care system who have become involved in the juvenile justice system. It's a complex and challenging area, but also incredibly rewarding when you can make a difference in these young lives. HOST: That's fascinating. Now, this course covers topics like trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, cultural competency, advocacy skills, and legal frameworks. From your perspective, why are these areas so critical for professionals working with foster youth in the juvenile justice system? GUEST: Each of these areas is essential because they address different aspects of the support these youth need. Trauma-informed care acknowledges their past experiences and helps us respond better. Evidence-based practices ensure we use methods proven to work. Cultural competency allows us to respect and understand their unique backgrounds. Advocacy skills enable us to fight for their rights, and legal frameworks guide us through the complex systems involved. HOST: Indeed, it sounds like a comprehensive approach. Given your experience, what current trends or challenges are particularly relevant to this course content? GUEST: There's growing recognition of the adverse impacts of childhood trauma, which highlights the importance of trauma-informed care. Additionally, with increasing diversity, cultural competency is more important than ever. A challenge we face is ensuring that all professionals, not just those in this field, receive adequate training in these areas. HOST: That's a great point. As we look to the future, how do you see this area of work evolving, and how might this course help prepare professionals for these changes? GUEST: I believe there will be continued emphasis on holistic, person-centered approaches, focusing on healing and resilience rather than punishment. This course equips professionals with the skills to adopt such approaches, making them well-prepared for the future of this field. HOST: Thank you so much for sharing your insights today. It's clear that this Graduate Certificate in Supporting Foster Youth in the Juvenile Justice System will provide invaluable knowledge and skills for those dedicated to improving the lives of these vulnerable youth. GUEST: My pleasure. It's an important conversation, and I'm glad we could highlight the value of this course.
