Programmes Using the Prosocial Approach
'Focus on People - Effect Change' (2 days)
The programme is underpinned by a two-day course delivered by Cognitive Centre trainers and addresses:
? _ High quality relationships
? _ Prosocial modelling and reinforcement
? _ Role clarification
Each participant receives a copy of 'Working With Involuntary Clients'.
'Family Problem Solving' (3 days)
Work with family groups is often the most effective way of working with problematic young people. Often the young person's situation is directly
related to the family dynamic and consequently the best method of addressing those dynamicsis by working with the family group. Some studies have suggested that re-offence rates can be reduced amongst juvenile offenders by more than
50 percent by the use of structured family work.
The prosocial family problem-solving model involves an adaptation of Dr. Trotter's integrated package of skills to work with family groups. It is generally offered over 10 sessions either in the family or in the office and it may be offered by individual workers or two workers acting as co therapists. The model works from a partnership and non blaming perspective. However it ultimately aims to enhance the prosocial attitudes of the young offenders and other family members and in turn to influence offence related behaviour. The model incorporates three core components, role clarification, problem solving and pro-social modelling and it has as its basis an appropriate client worker relationship.
In the three-day course a structure will be provided within which each family member can discuss issues which are of concern to them, talk about how they
want things to change and develop strategies as a family to facilitate those changes. The model attempts to reconcile the dissonant perceptions that different family members (and the workers) may have about the important issues for the
family. It also addresses the blaming and scapegoating which often goes on families.
The model builds on the direct practice skills that workers have already developed. Previous research has suggested that at the completion of the three-day course participants will be able to confidently and competently carry out a series of sessions with families and that those families will benefit from the intervention.
NEW
Prosocial Approaches to Working in Child Protection (3 days)
The Chris Trotter and the Centre have collaborated in the development of a new programme specifically designed to meet the needs of workers in Child Protection settings. The programme will draw on material outlined in Chris's new book "Helping Abused Children and Their Families" (Sage 2004), and will be available from spring 2005. For further details please contact the Centre direct.
Professor
Robert Ross
