Motivational Interviewing

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: New and current child welfare personnel who want a better understanding of how to motivate children and their families to communicate effectively in the interview process

Intended Objectives:

• Learn to effectively interview children and families by identifying issues that facilitate or inhibit effective interviewing.

Topics Include:

• Motivation and the dual role of the social worker
• Stages of change
• Principles of motivational interviewing
• Identifying and addressing roadblocks and strategies
• Reflective listening techniques
• Dealing with resistance

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

2.6 Student understands the dual responsibility of the child welfare caseworker to protect children and to provide services and support to enable families to care for their children.

3.4 Student conducts effective casework interviews.

3.6 Student is aware of his or her own emotional responses to clients in areas where the worker’s values are challenged, and is able to utilize the awareness to effectively manage the client-worker relationship.

3.11 Student can engage clients, especially non-voluntary and angry clients.

3.21 Student effectively and appropriately uses authority, while continuing to use supportive casework methods to protect children and engage families.