3.6 Summary

This lesson covered the topic of the Self and its importance to Child and Youth Care practitioners. Knowing yourself, including becoming aware of your subconscious biases and attitudes, is essential to being able to relate effectively to child and youth clients. Reflective practice is a valuable skill in learning about your values and beliefs, reflecting on experiences, and developing an awareness of how your social location impacts you and your relationships and interactions with others.

This lesson also introduced compassion fatigue and burnout, their signs and impacts, and how to avoid them. Of particular importance is the role of self-care, wherein you can work to promote your continued well-being while caring for others in your professional role. A self-care plan is a valuable tool for achieving this goal.