I wanted to work with at risk youth to help them try and get a hold of their lives before the possibility of prison arose. One of the degrees that some people in that line of work gets is a counselling or social working bachelor. Is becoming a child counsellor/mentor realistic for a felon?

I have a master's in counseling psychology. A bachelor's would be nearly worthless in that field, unless you do desk work/office work, maybe assist a master's or Ph.D. level person somehow. You would have no important responsibilities.

What exactly do you want to do?

If you want to work with at-risk youth, talk with an area psychologist or two, priests/ministers, high school teachers, and police officers. Mention your felony and ask how that can be factored into and will affect your training, ability, and willingness to help.

I have to respectfully disagree WG. This is the degree my daughter is going for. Children's Services is just one such place in my area, among others, that hire BS degrees in my area. I also have 2 nieces in another state with BS in social work that have very lucrative jobs.

This degree can also be used in the school systems as well.

As for a felony, the type of felony may be important.

In light of what J_9 wrote, it apparently makes a difference where you live as to what a bachelor's level can do and earn -- and yes, the felony classification is also important.

As I said, talk with professionals in your area.

Of course you are going to make better money and have a wider choice of positions with a Master's degree, and many employers are willing to assist with financial aid if you contract with them for a specific period.

Even in my part of rural New England, there are jobs fairly frequently for staff at half way houses and schools for at-risk youth, mainly because they don't pay much (quite a few in southwestern MA). I would think that working at such a job for a solid year before you go to school will do a lot for your resume, while you search out answers. I thought that the licensing board of each state had their own rules about criminal background.

To answer the question directly.

You can get the degree, there is nothing to stop a person from getting most degrees with a criminal record.

The issue is getting a job once you get the degree. And also if you want a professional license from the state.

But yes you will find work in that area, the amount of pay will vary by group and location.

Nothing stops you from volunteering in those areas you want to get involved in either, while you get those degrees/jobs you seek. Many states and counties are establishing/or have already established outreach programs for ex cons and at risk youths who not only need mentors to show them a better way, but help navigate the system to achieve a productive goal.

Just saying, some hands on experience to go with formal training is a good way to expand a resume.