Hi, Melissa. I think both programs are probably comparable in what they pay but the Social Service Worker might be a bit broader in scope and could be more rewarding through the years. Social services includes children and there's no reason why you could not still work with children with a social service worker program diploma but it would probably be harder to switch and work with adults with a child and youth worker program.

Too, working with children and youth could be a bit frustrating or heart breaking at times because there is only so much you can do for children as their parents and families have a lot of say still and it can be a little harder to see results from your work; the law can be a lot more important and a partner to you rather than just working one-on-one with the person.

Do you have to declare your major right away? If they are four-year programs, there are probably a lot of basic courses you have to take which will be similar for both, you could kind of look at both in terms of the basic courses, get to know and think a bit more about each and what you envision for yourself.