Engaging with a young person who is experiencing hardship means doing something which is meaningful and respectful but also brief, quick (but not hurried) and often, something unexpected; because we have to get past wariness, or emotional withdrawal, or active hostility, or sadness, seeming indifference, or anger; to name a few. All of which are what a young person, experiencing hardship in life, may well present to us, and often to the world in general. So we need to do something different, not clever but less expected, less likely; to establish a connection. And establishing this connection, this engagement, is the beginning of a process, of a ‘working’ relationship however brief or long this may be. And it must happen or nothing else will.
This 1.5 hour online webinar with Peter Slattery will cover:
1. Strategies (and the thinking behind them) to:
- Connect with a young person one to one
- Connect with a young person and family member/s simultaneously
- Connect with a young person when a third party is present, whether a family member, police person, social worker etc
2. Communication and language which is more likely to be successful
3. Most importantly, the idea of being inventive and unexpected so as to invite a spirit of curiosity in a young person. And alongside that, a sense of safety, of interest and a sense of having some control, or agency.
Legal CPD point allocation: 1 Professional Skills | 0.5 Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Should you have any queries or require any further information please do not hesitate to email [email protected] or call (08) 6164 0380.
