Working with High-Risk Youth: A Relationship-Based Practice Framework

This book provides an overview of the Get Connected practice framework and philosophy, which has been successfully used in Canada and New Zealand to engage and work with high-risk youth, who struggle with neglect, abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, exploitation, mental health issues, and inability to self-regulate and trust. It offers strategies for engaging and working with these youth, incorporating harm reduction principles, resiliency, and strength-based approaches, and collaboration with community agencies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This extensively revised and expanded second edition is specifically tailored to cater to the unique challenges faced by high-risk youth, a population that encompasses a wide range of struggles, including neglect, abuse, substance abuse, exploitation risks, mental health issues, and difficulties in self-regulation and trust. Government child welfare services and community agencies often face significant challenges in adequately serving this population.

Traditionally, punishment-consequence interventions and strict compliance have been the primary approaches employed to address these challenges. However, extensive experience and research have demonstrated that alternative approaches, rooted in relationship-based practice, can yield more effective outcomes. These approaches incorporate harm reduction principles, resilience, and strength-based approaches, fostering community collaboration and recognizing the profound impact of early trauma on brain development and attachment formation.

In this comprehensive book, readers will find a wealth of new material covering attachment, trauma, and brain development. It delves into the concept of "the perfect storm youth," explores strategies for ending unhealthy relationships, addresses issues of shame, and sheds light on societal divisions that often exacerbate the challenges faced by these youth.

The book provides an overview of the Get Connected practice framework and philosophy, which has been successfully implemented in Canada and New Zealand. It offers practical strategies for engaging and working with the most disconnected, challenging, and troubled youth in society. This text is an essential resource for all agency service providers, community outreach workers, youth workers, group home workers, probation officers, foster parents, adoptive parents, service navigators, counselors, addictions workers, mental health workers, teachers, youth group leaders, and youth pastors/advisors in religious settings, as well as camp counselors.

By incorporating the principles outlined in this book, professionals can better equip themselves to provide compassionate and effective support to high-risk youth, helping them navigate their challenges and build resilience for a brighter future.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032419565
Edition number: 2 ed