Description

This training introduces participants to the Growth-Focused Youth Justice Case Management (GFCM) framework and its application within the youth justice system. Grounded in adolescent development research and desistance theory, GFCM supports key system objectives and enhances the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model by integrating risk management with a strengths-based approach that promotes positive identity development.

Through a youth-centered and collaborative approach to case planning, participants will learn how to engage youth in identifying goals tied to their future “ideal self,” build motivation for change, and support long-term growth beyond system involvement. The training emphasizes practical strategies for facilitating meaningful developmental experiences that not only address risk factors, but also help youth move toward prosocial outcomes and desistance from offending.

Audience

Youth justice practitioners (e.g., probation officers and case managers), system leaders, judges, attorneys, behavioral health providers and/or clinicians, community-based service providers, and other youth-serving professionals engaged in case planning and supervision.

Goals

The goals for this training are to:

  • Increase knowledge of the Growth-Focused Youth Justice Case Management (GFCM) framework and its alignment with youth justice system objectives and the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model.
  • Strengthen participants’ ability to apply strengths-based, youth-centered case management approaches that support positive identity development and long-term desistance from offending.

Objectives

  1. Describe how GFCM supports the key objectives of the youth justice system and complements a Risk-Needs-Responsivity approach.
  2. Explain how the GFCM framework facilitates youth development toward a positive identity and how this growth contributes to desistance from offending.
  3. Identify how GFCM integrates with and enhances Risk-Needs-Responsivity through a strengths-based, youth-engaged approach to case planning.
  4. Apply strategies for structuring case plans that support both immediate behavior change and long-term growth beyond the probation period.

Learn More

For more information about this training program and pricing, please contact John A. Tuell, Executive Director, at jtuell@rfkcommunity.org or Jodi Martin, Deputy Executive Director, at jmartin@rfkcommunity.org.