Youth Aid Officer course
Justice & Policing
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain the specialist skills and knowledge needed to work as a Youth Aid Officer within the New Zealand Police, supporting young people and their communities.
NZ$2,360
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Work autonomously and accountably as a Youth Aid Officer
Develop the ability to achieve outcomes independently and maintain professional accountability for work with young people.
Establish and maintain relationships with young people and key environments
About This Course
The Youth Aid Officer course is designed for NZ Police Youth Aid Officers in training, comprised of two papers from the Bachelor of Social Services programme delivered over two years part-time and supported by Police work-based learning. The course covers legislation, youth justice models, human development, risk management, and practice theory, equipping learners to work autonomously with children and young people, build community relationships, and demonstrate leadership. Successful completion may allow credit transfer into the Bachelor of Social Services.
Course Content
- Safe and Ethical Practitioner
- Applied Social Issues and Social Policy
- Current legislation related to youth justice
- Youth issues and youth aid models
- Restorative justice and alternative action frameworks
- Human development, safety and risk management
- Working with tangata whenua and local communities
- Police values and applied theory
- Professional and ethical practice
- Recognising and responding to abuse and suicide risk factors
Entry Requirements
Learners must be referred by NZ Police to undertake these papers.
Build towards these roles
Youth Aid OfficerCommunity Support WorkerYouth Worker
Build skills in these industries
JusticeSocial ServicesGovernment
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
