The Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC) is the professional association representing Child and Youth Care Practitioners (CYCP) in the province of Ontario, Canada.

Over the past 50 years, the practice of Child and Youth Care in Ontario has expanded its professional competencies and strengthened its skills and is now considered the gold standard for working with the very special needs of children and youth. Child and Youth Care Practitioners are found in such professions as early care and education, community-based child and youth development programs, parent education and family support, school-based programs, community mental health, group homes, residential centres, rehabilitation programs, paediatric health care and youth justice programs.

The OACYC provides professional standards, regulations, support, and a Code of Ethics to its members thus ensuring integrity, accountability, and excellence. The major difference between OACYC members and other CYCPs is one of professional and public concern that the children, youth, and families in Ontario are safe and cared for at the highest standard.

All professional OACYC members have:

• Proven their initial educational/training qualifications to an external body
• Are required to stay current in the field therefore Membership is conditional on the completion of annual professional development activities
• Provide their signature of agreement to abide by the OACYC Code of Ethics
• Are accountable to the OACYC Code of Ethics. The OACYC has a Complaints and Discipline process available to members and the public
• Have access to the professional resources of the OACYC, including a network of over 1,000 practitioners in Ontario and beyond
• Are dedicated to providing excellent care for children, youth, and families

The professional association of Child Care Workers was incorporated August 1, 1969, as the Child Care Workers Association of Ontario (CCWAO).

With the development of standardized training programs in the community colleges, degree programs, a professional journal, and provincial and national conferences, the profession expanded rapidly throughout Ontario.

The role of the CYC also expanded well beyond the traditional residential worker in psychiatric facilities for children and adolescents. With these new roles and status came a new name. In 1989 the CCWAO became the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors. In 1999, the OACYC became the largest CYC association in North America. In 2015, the OACYC becomes the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care.