Faith It till You Make It: A CYC Course-Based Qualitative Inquiry

The purpose of this course-based research study was to explore the perceptions of faith-based child and youth care (CYC) students in completing a third-year expressive arts-based CYC practice self-image assignment that invited them to incorporate their personal spiritual beliefs as a component of their CYC identity. The course-base study also sought to examine the potential of arts-based assignment in creating a safe medium to express one’s faith in CYC education. The focus group method was the primary data collection strategy. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of three themes: a) relational safety within one’s environment, b) fear of judgement from classmates and coworkers, and c) desire for authenticity within one’s CYC identity. The results of this course-based study indicate that for many CYC students, the artsbased CYC practice self-portrait assignment was a safe place to express their faith and spiritual beliefs.