Where Do We Go From Here, and How Do We Get There? - Part One

As we are working in a more therapeutic environment we have to let go of all external control.  We can not use a "this for that" program and remain non-judgmental, non-punitive and still stay positive.  

We used the level system for so many years that the staff lost sight of the value of the evaluation at the end of the day, the opportunity to correct behavior, set new goals, and start fresh the next day.

The level system was designed as a way for a child to see how behaviors effected relationships, education, and personal growth.  It was the evaluation at the end of the day that helped them make more effective choices.

Now that we have no level system, the staff are afraid we have no way to encourage them to change behavior.  Our clients have difficult, and even dangerous behaviors - both to those around them and to themselves. Sexualized behaviors, verbal abuse, physical abuse, truancy, AWOL, house destruction, and then the less difficult behaviors such as yelling, screaming, and threatening. 

Counselors work on each little piece of the behavior.  For the most part, it took the clients 10 - 15 years to develop these behaviors, and the trauma that underlies their behaviors help them keep a wall between them and those who would like to help them.   

We begin by building a relationship - politeness, modeling, using teachable moments, remaining friendly even in adversity.  We also begin by taking time to do an inventory of placements, needs, wants, talents, people they want in their lives, etc.  We take that information and present it in a formal meeting with our staff, the placement social worker, any outside staff involved, parents, and the client.  We then work in 5 areas mandated for all California children in out-of-home-care.

Everyone, including the client, is aware of the program, what is expected of us, themselves, social workers, etc.  Our daily work begins.