Communicating with Youth

Communication is the way we transmit information between ourselves.  Information is transmitted not only in what we say, but also in how we say it and in how we look when we are saying it.  Moreover, it is one of the ways we transmit core values to others; values of compassion, caring, generativity, empowerment, and unconditional care are just ideas unless we communicate them to others.

Children are able to trust at varying levels, depending on their family histories and their experiences prior to arriving at an agency. Clients often come from homes where parent-child communication and interactions have been very distorted, ineffectual, and/or abusive.  For example, clients may react with bewilderment when staff members attempt to reach out and ask them about their feelings. 

Good communication skills are essential for staff members if we are to model healthy ways to communicate with others and establish trust with clients.

2 Group Home Adminstrator CEUs available.

Training Objectives:

Trainees will understand the importance of effective communication skills especially as it pertains to work with foster youth

Trainees will learn how to actively use the three forms of communication, and active listening skills in order to build more effective relationships with their clients

Trainees will be better prepared to give and receive feedback in order to improve their communication skills

Instructors:
Lea Arellano, Kevin Conboy, Alfred Gales, Paul Gibson, Sandra Madison, Diana Middleton, Natalie Thoreson, Gary Zomalt