Dealing with Violent Youth

Intended Audience: New and current child welfare personnel wanting to enhance their ability to effectively work with violent youth

Intended Objectives:

• Identify the foundations of aggressive behavior
• Examine the underlying causes of aggression
• How aggressive and violent youth justify their actions.
• How to debrief and confront youth’s violent actions
• Practice techniques to effectively engage aggressive youth in meaningful dialogue

Topics Include:

• Foundations of Aggressive Behaviors (Home, Community & Societal Issues)
• Levels of Aggression
• Characteristic Behaviors of Aggressive Youth
• The Impact of Aggression on Helping Adults
• Basic Concepts in Dealing With Aggressive Youth
• Reclaiming and Re-educating aggressive Youth

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

2.3 Student recognizes and accurately identifies physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators of child abuse, child neglect, and child sexual abuse in children and their families.

2.8 Student understands the dynamics of family violence, and can develop appropriate culturally sensitive case plans to address theses problems.

2.16 Student understands and can appropriately utilize authority and power in professional relationships.

2.17 Student demonstrates the ability to assess his or her own emotional responses to clients, co-workers, and situations in which the worker’s values are challenged.

7.2 Student demonstrates the ability to recognize potential for violence, suicide, and other potentially harmful behaviors.