Diploma in Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA)
George Brown College
Key Information
Campus location
Toronto, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 16,763 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* for international students. All fees are subject to change, without notice
Introduction
Leadership Claims
Preparing graduates to work as Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocates for over 30 years.
This program is unique in Canada.
The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist, anti-racist analysis of the political and counseling issues related to gender-based violence experienced primarily by self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors. It trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action, and law reform and prepares them to provide anti-oppressive counseling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.
Note: Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placements is limited.
Your Field Education Options
Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing students to work with those affected by gender-based violence. It includes those directly impacted, and the communities within which they live and work and often encompasses those who identify as trans and non-binary and other disenfranchised populations.
In year one, students take a class called Preparation for the Field, which includes introductory activities to the field, such as:
- interviewing staff during an agency visit
- conducting research
- participating in fundraising and special events
- learning about how programs and services are developed
In the second year, students will build on their learning by engaging in:
- more direct one-on-one survivor counseling
- group facilitation
- case management and advocacy
Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for approximately 400 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centers, youth services, health providers, and other agencies that provide front-line support.
Field placement agencies are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies in the Greater Toronto Area and other locations in Ontario and Canada provide students with placement opportunities.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships for international students at George Brown College are generally in-program awards based on students’ academic performance (and other criteria) at George Brown College after the beginning of the academic program.
Curriculum
Required Courses
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
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Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
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Program Outcome
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
- Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
- Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services.
- Facilitate groups for women and children.
- Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
- Cope with high-stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
- Develop and deliver prevention programs.
- Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
- Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
- Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.
Career Opportunities
Your Career
AWCCA graduates work in a variety of settings, including women’s transition and interval houses, rape crisis centers, community health centers, settlement services, community centers, and victim/witness programs.
Educational Pathways
Graduates may apply for accelerated entry in the following related George Brown College programs
- Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135)
- Child and Youth Care (Accelerated) (C153)
- Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131)
- Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C130)
Future Study Options
Graduates of the AWCCA program are eligible to apply for advanced standing in degree programs such as:
- Justice Studies B.A. at Royal Roads University
- Professional Communications B.A. at Royal Roads University
- Bachelor of Social Work at Ryerson University
- Disability Studies B.A. at Ryerson University (part-time)
- Bachelor of Social Work at York University
Students can also apply to Women and Gender Studies, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Studies, and other programs at several universities such as York University, Ryerson University, Athabasca University, and the University of Victoria.