The Bachelor of Child, Youth and Family Practice is an undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding needed to work professionally with children, young people, and families across a broad range of community, welfare, health, and education settings. The degree covers the processes and structures involved in delivering services in specialist areas such as childcare, education, welfare, child development, family studies, and child protection, while also developing students' understanding of ethics, human development, leadership, and integrated service delivery. Students gain a deep understanding of sociocultural factors that affect children and families, including the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and vulnerable groups.

The qualification is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) and recognised by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), meaning graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration upon meeting any additional requirements. It is an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree typically completed over three years full-time, with both on-campus and distance education modes available at select Australian providers. Students can also enter via pathway programs, including those for holders of an Advanced Diploma in Children's Services, Community Sector Management, or Community Services Work with relevant industry experience.

Key employers of graduates include government departments (state child safety and family services agencies), community-based organisations, not-for-profit welfare agencies, early childhood services, schools, disability services, youth justice services, family support services, foster care organisations, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations. The degree also provides a pathway into postgraduate study such as the Master of Social Work, Master of Human Services, or Master of Primary Teaching.

Domestic students are typically required to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum ATAR, which varies by institution and intake but generally falls in the range of 55–70. English subject prerequisites are standard, with most institutions requiring at least two units of English at Band 3 or above (or equivalent). Mature-age entry is available at most providers, recognising relevant work experience, prior study, or a combination of both. Students who have completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Children's Services, Community Services Work, or Community Sector Management with at least two years of relevant industry experience may also be eligible for an accelerated pathway entry, with recognition of prior learning applied to reduce the total course duration.

International students are typically required to demonstrate English language proficiency through standardised testing. A minimum IELTS (Academic) overall band score of 6.5, with no sub-band below 6.0, is the common benchmark, with equivalent scores accepted from TOEFL iBT (minimum 79, with no sub-score below 19) or PTE Academic. Additional requirements may include a personal statement or interview in some cases. All students — domestic and international — must satisfy Working With Children Check (WWCC) requirements for their state or territory before commencing professional placements, and some providers may also require a National Police Check. Given the nature of work with vulnerable populations, applicants should be aware that certain criminal history findings may affect placement eligibility.