Working with at-risk youth is challenging and requires specific skills in behavioral intervention, mental health and communications. Motivating youth with potential who need positive intervention is a process that researcher Richard M. Lerner defined as having five “5Cs”. They are competence, connection, character, confidence and caring. Nurturing these positive qualities in at-risk youth develops the basic psychosocial skills needed to thrive. Certification for Working Youth gives youth trainers and leaders the foundation for developing essential skills for working with at-risk youth.
Strengths-Based Approach to Youth Development
There are two ways to approach youth training. One is negative because it assumes at-risk youth are starting with weaknesses, making positive skills development a lengthier process. Overcoming weaknesses must happen before positive life skills are addressed. Positive youth development does not ignore backgrounds and issues but relies on a strengths-based approach. The online training for youth workers leading to Certification for Working with Youth teaches a process for identifying and acknowledging youth abilities, interests and preferences and using their strengths to achieve goals.
Power of the Positive
The strength-based approach is empowering for the youth worker and students because a focus on strengths is a focus on abilities and competencies. Instead of asking what holds a youth back, the process asks what makes the person unique and how that uniqueness can be leveraged for success. It is one reason why the Certification for Working with Youth includes intercultural training and training on how the youth worker can empower youth through the power of the positive.
