معرفی
Varda Mann-Feder is a Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. With over 30 years of experience, she has served as Graduate Program Director for Youth Work and Chair of Applied Human Sciences (2004-2007). Her work focuses on youth in care, transitions to adulthood, and child welfare interventions, informed by her 28-year tenure as a Consulting Psychologist in Montreal's child welfare system.
- Education:
- D.Ed. in Educational Psychology and Counselling, McGill University (1988)
- M.A. in School Psychology, University of Toronto (1976)
- B.A. Cum Laude in Psychology, Brandeis University (1975)
Mann-Feder's research examines youth transitions from care to adulthood, emphasizing emerging adulthood and adolescent development. She explores youth participation and empowerment models in child welfare systems, particularly in Quebec's Youth Protection framework. Her scholarship bridges practice, policy, and education in child and youth care.
Recent publications highlight ethical frameworks in youth work, peer-centred interventions, and cross-cultural transitions for Indigenous youth. She has contributed to journals like Child Welfare and presented internationally on topics including resiliency, emancipatory practice, and youth policy engagement.
- Leadership Roles:
- Chair, Canadian Network on Transitions from Care (CANTRAC)
- Board Member, Care Jeunesse (Quebec youth in care network)
- Founding Program Director, Graduate Diploma in Youth Work
She teaches courses on adolescent intervention, child and youth care ethics, and counseling skills, drawing on her extensive fieldwork experience. Her work underscores the importance of systemic change in child welfare systems to support youth autonomy and successful life transitions.
