The competency of applied human development has four sub-domains that all involve the development status of the children/youth that a CYCP may work with. The four domains are development theory, patterns of growth and development, linking developmental theory to risk and resilience, and psychotropic medications.
Developmental theory involves a CYCP being very knowledgeable of the development and growth of the children/youth they encounter as well as keeping themselves up to date on current research. It is important for a CYCP to think carefully and critically about the research they are imputing and applying into their practice (Stuart, 2009).
Patterns of growth and development involve a CYCP having the understanding that the children/youth they encounter will come from all different types of social and cultural backgrounds, which do affect how they will develop and who they will become. Applying the research gained by the CYCP with that understanding will help the CYCP to understand each individual (Stuart, 2009).
The sub-domain of linking developmental theory to risk and resilience means that the CYCP will use a strength-based perspective to always work with the children/youth to have the most effective outcome of progress and development (Stuart, 2009).
The CYCP may not always understand the stage of development that the child/youth may be in, but they will hopefully be able to effectively assist in progressing it as much as the child/youth needs it to be.
Psychotropic medications are often a very common treatment in a child/youth’s life and a CYCP should be aware of what medications are currently prescribed, as well as their positive or negative effects on children/youth, so they may offer informed advice to the children or their families (Stuart, 2009).
References
Stuart, C. (2009). Foundations of Child and Youth Care: Second Edition. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
