Engaging Families in Strengths-Based Practice

Probation officers often encounter families who are isolated and exhausted by the stresses of life. Sometimes it is difficult for youth and their families to think in terms of strengths, abilities and hope. Probation officers can assist families to recognize and use the strengths and abilities they already have.
Topics include:

• Challenges of strengths-based practice
• Specific strategies for addressing the challenges
• Successful engagement skills to enrich strengths-based practice

As a result of this workshop, probation officers will enhance both their skills in their ability to have a more strengths-based approach, and their skills in remaining strengths-based even when those around them are not.