Training Strategies for Developing Emancipation Skills with Adolescents

Level: Advanced Practice-Lineworker

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: Line workers, supervisors, trainers, and others who work with adolescents in preparing them to develop effective emancipation skill

Intended Objectives:

• To understand and cope with the “Eleventh Hour Syndrome”
• To identify the developmental influences that will determine the tasks necessary for successful emancipation
• To understand emancipation as a dramatic life change
• To become comfortable with the array of confusing emotions surrounding emancipation
• To understand the process of change, and how it affects youth behavior during the transition from dependency to independence
• To develop strategies to help youth deal with resistance and anxiety
• To explore motivation issues and problems for youth moving to independence
• To confront dysfunctional coping styles
• To learn to provide opportunities for youth to practice assertiveness skills
• To analyze how one’s thinking habits contribute to, or detract from, youth ability to deal successfully with independence
• To examine how self-concept, self-esteem, and self-awareness impact success with independence, and to develop strategies for addressing and improving weak areas of the self
• To identify individual features of “resiliency” and their impact on adjustment
• To learn to utilize peer group dynamics to assist with skill development
• To unlock the keys to providing positive group leadership
• To provide opportunities for social skills training
• To explore ways to “match” intervention styles with youth willingness and ability

Topics Include:

• Tapping motivation and developmental influences
• Developing pro-social skills
• Understanding and utilizing peer group dynamics
• Practicing work maturity skills
• Learning household management and survival skills
• Collaborating with community resources and existing agency programs

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

2.7 Student understands policy issues and child welfare legal requirements and demonstrates the capacity to fulfill these requirements in practice.

2.22 Student demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the termination process, with clients and with systems.