CYC-Online
June 2026 (No. 328)
Editorial Comment: ‘Healing Through Connection’ | Leon Fulcher
Intake is not a Formality | Julian Andres Casas Corrales
Quality Conversations or the End of Quality in Residential Care and Treatment Settings? | Kiaras Gharabaghi
Story: Spooning, Tea & Sympathy | Jack Phelan
We Were Never Meant to Do This Alone: Debriefing, Connection, and Care in Child & Youth Care | Chelan McCallion, Kate Pipe and Michelle Everett
From Student to Youth Care Worker | Megan Johannessen
What Kids Lose When Dinner Time Becomes Screen Time | Kim Samuel
Locating Myself | Hans Skott-Myhre
Postcard from Lake Waikaremoana | Leon Fulcher
Conference Program
The full conference program is available here.
Silent Auction
Support CYC-Net and its mission to provide open-access learning resources for those working with children and youth in care.
How it works
Browse donated items throughout the conference, place your
bids, and check back often—highest bid at closing wins! No auctioneer,
bid at your own pace.
Where & When
In person at the 2026 World Conference, St. John’s, NL
June 23–26, 2026
We’re accepting Auction items!
Easy-to-transport items such as local artwork, cultural items, books,
trainings, clothing, or youth creations—really, almost anything!
Physical items must be present at the conference.
To donate, email: cycworldconference2026@cycanl.ca Please include a short description, approximate value, and a photo of your item.
Thank you for supporting CYC-Net!
Stories from the In-Between
Relational Practice Teaching Tales
Thom Garfat, Ph.D and Heather Modlin, Ph.D - editors
Human beings are, by nature, storytellers. Most of our communications are via stories. We share our desires, our wishes, our experiences via stories. Child and Youth Care workers are exceptional storytellers. We were, initially, storytellers out of necessity. In days gone by, there were no college or university programs, no training programs, no organised way in which to teach us how to be with young people. So, we taught each other – through stories.
This collection brings Child and Youth Care practice to life through vivid, relational storytelling that captures the complexity and beauty of everyday moments. Rooted in authenticity and genuine connection, these stories highlight the power of presence, curiosity, and humility, reminding us that meaning is often found not only in what is said, but in what is quietly held. With a focus on reflection and growth, the narratives invite readers to challenge assumptions, honour silence, and reconsider perspective, while emphasizing the importance of mattering in the lives of children, youth, families, and practitioners alike. Shared experiences become catalysts for transformation, illustrating how young people can move beyond their self-perceptions and how practitioners grow alongside them. Thought-provoking and deeply human, this book rekindles passion for Child and Youth Care practice and affirms that learning is lifelong.
Jenny McGrath, PhD – Department
of Child and Youth Care, MacEwan University, Canada
This is a powerful collection that honours the moments where real
connection happens. Through these short stories, the writers gently
illuminate the everyday courage, compassion, and presence at the
heart of child and youth care. Each tale invites the reader to pause,
reflect, and recognise the profound impact of relational care that
is often found in the quiet, in‑between moments. This book is a
joy to read and a moving reminder of why this work matters, celebrating
the deep and lasting difference we make in the lives of others.
Simon Walsh – Chief Executive Officer,
Allambi Care, Australia
Stories have always been a
foundational part of Child and Youth Care practice. They are a great
way to teach and give examples of what the texture of relational
practice is. I read this book with such pleasure. The wide array
of people who have contributed to this book brought together so
many experiences and insights into what quality Child and Youth
Care is as well as giving a sense of the history of Child and Youth
Care. The critical thinking questions at the end of the stories
also added so much to the learning.
Frank Delano –
President, Professional Package Consulting, USA
