A Course-Based Qualitative Exploration into the Views of CYC Students on the Use of Harm Reduction Strategies for High-Risk Youth

The purpose of this course-based research study was to examine child and youth care (CYC) students’ attitudes toward of the use of harm-reduction programs and services for high-risk youth. In this qualitative interpretive inquiry, an open-ended, scenario-based questionnaire was used to collect data via email. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was applied to recruit 16 CYC student participants. The thematic analysis method defined by Braun and Clarke (2006) was used to identify three main themes: a) a safe place free of physical and emotional harm, b) relationships really matter, and c) support versus control is the CYC way.