Boost for Kids
Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC)
Location:
201 – 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto
Description of the practicum site and student activities:
Organizational Overview
Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC) is a registered charity that provides a range of services to children, youth and families, who have experienced abuse or violence, within the City of Toronto. We provide individual, group, family and community services that include trauma counselling, advocacy and support services during child abuse investigations, court support and accompaniment services and abuse and violence prevention materials and training. Boost CYAC is accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, an independent non-profit organization that offers accreditation specifically tailored to community-based health and social services across Canada.
Practicum Description
We are offering one (1) Clinical Student Practicum in our Trauma Therapy Program (TTP).
This opportunity is only open to students enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Toronto. All student placements will be managed in accordance with the established processes and guidelines of the MSW Program, in collaboration with TTP. This includes coordination between TTP, the program, and field instructors to ensure that placements align with learning objectives, meet program requirements, and support students’ professional development. This is an on-site placement, and students will be required to complete the majority of their placement hours at Boost’s Toronto office. Occasional remote work may be permitted, subject to performance metrics, service standards, and operational requirements. 2
The aim of this practicum is to provide students with first hand knowledge and experience of the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre Model and to provide the opportunity to provide short term therapeutic services to children, youth and families engaged in the TTP Program.
Students must be comfortable working closely with onsite facility dogs and be able to commit to one evening shift (12-8pm) per week.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS
• Become familiar with the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre Model, the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) members within the organization and the programs and services offered by each MDT member.
• Become familiar with services provided by the TTP Program and role of the Short-Term Child & Family Therapist.
• Shadow and assist designated TTP staff in providing short term therapy support and psychoeducation to young people between the ages of 4-18 and their caregivers.
• Shadow and assist designated TTP staff in providing advocacy support to clients attending the centre for a child abuse investigation.
• Under the direct supervision of TTP staff, carry a small case load of short-term clients.
• Participate in ongoing client documentation, including case notes, consultation notes and assessment and therapy reports.
• Participate in client consultation meetings with MDT and community partners as required.
• Participate in TTP team meetings, group supervision, learning sessions, psychological and/or racial consultation meetings and Boost CYAC staff meetings
• Participate in individual supervisions and performance management.
• Participate in organizational wide training and engagement opportunities.
Practicum Requirements:
☒ Police Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
☒ Evening attendance
Other requirements:
Students must be comfortable working closely with onsite facility dogs and be able to commit to one evening shift (12-8pm) per week.
Some knowledge of the field of childhood trauma and child and adolescent development.
• Some knowledge of evidence informed trauma assessment and treatment strategies for children, youth and families.
• Sound knowledge, commitment and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency theory and practices.
Please select Fields(s) of Study:
☒ Children and their Families
☒ Mental Health and Health
Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?
In person
Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?
direct
Number of practicums offered:
one
Field Instructor name and credentials:
TBD
Application deadline:
March 23, 2026
Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?
Resume only
Accessibility Considerations:
- Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? Yes
- Are there breaks between clients/patients/meetings? Sometimes
- Is the practicum considered fast-paced? Medium
- Is there a high noise level in the practicum? Medium
- Is the site wheelchair accessible? Yes
- What are the physical demands of the practicum? None really – they are on site providing / supporting with therapy
- Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of? No.
If you are interested in this practicum, please send a resume to miri.ben.dat@utoronto.ca by 4pm March 23, 2026. Applications will be sent the site.