Professionals working with young people using violence tell us about their work....
This is a wonderful opportunity to turn things around – so a young person doesn’t grow into violence. Relationship repair takes time but it is well worth it – it changes lives!
This is really big work. Don’t get disheartened if you don’t ‘fix’ everything; you are working within broad networks and many people care and contribute to safety nets.
Be led by the young person about how they would like to build rapport. It can take months to build that relationship.
Don’t forget that they are still Young People. They are not adults. They are not their father. Their brain is still developing. Meet them with compassion and empathy, understanding the challenging life experiences they have endured; and with respect for their developmental age and stage of life.
It feels rewarding to help strengthen family relationships and the gratefulness that families show towards practitioners.
One approach doesn’t fit or suit all families!
Have patience whilst navigating working with young people.
Change is possible.
You may meet someone who has a story similar to something you have heard before, but each person and their network are unique with their own intersectionality. Approach those you will work with with genuine curiosity. Active listening goes a long way.
The young person is the expert on their own experience. Continue to learn, to challenge yourself.
The focus should be on empowering parents and caregivers while providing young individuals with the support they need to comprehend their actions and decisions.
I love helping young people make positive changes in their lives and help shape their future wellbeing.
Young people deserve to have their voices heard. Hear their story, hear their perspective. Give them a chance to be the change they want to see… You might even find that within their family they’re the one with the greatest readiness for change.
