Youth Aid Officer course
Justice & Policing
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A part-time, two-year online course that prepares New Zealand Police officers to serve as Youth Aid Officers, working directly with children and young people. Includes study of policy, legislation, youth development, theory, and community leadership in a law enforcement context.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Online, Online
It will take a total of 2 years
This course requires 2 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Apply current legislation and Police values to Youth Aid practice
Demonstrate understanding and implementation of legal and professional frameworks in interactions with children and young people.
Establish and maintain relationships with young people
Communicate and build effective, trust-based relationships with children, youth, and their communities, including tangata whenua.
Provide leadership in communities
Demonstrate ability to lead, guide, and support local initiatives and promote positive youth development.
What You're Signing Up For
This specialised course is designed for New Zealand Police Youth Aid Officers (YAO) in training. The programme comprises two papers from the Bachelor of Social Services, addressing safe practice and social policy issues, with each paper run over six months as part of a flexible two-year timeline. The course integrates police training, work-based learning, and academic study, focusing on evidence-based practice with young people. Graduates will be able to work autonomously in youth justice, applying legislation, models of care, restorative justice, and leadership in community and iwi contexts.
Course Content
- Safe and Ethical Practitioner (Level 6, 15 credits)
- Applied Social Issues and Social Policy (Level 7, 15 credits)
- Police induction and qualifying courses
- Police work units
- Evidence and knowledge of current legislation
- Youth issues and Youth Aid models
- Alternative action and restorative justice
- Human development – safety and risk management
- Relationships with tangata whenua and community networks
- Identifying and responding to abuse and suicide risk
- Professional, ethical, and safe practice
What you need to know first
Referral via New Zealand Police
Active employment or status as an NZ Police Officer (for application and training eligibility)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Policing
Youth Work
Justice
Community Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Youth Aid Officer, NZ Police
Roles in youth justice and restorative justice teams
Community-based youth work (in policing context)
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.