In the ever-evolving landscape of youth intervention programs, the need for effective tools that address complex behavioral issues is paramount. At the forefront of this mission is the Carey Group, with their innovative Carey Guides, which have been instrumental in providing solutions tailored for youth facing challenges within the juvenile justice system.
Meet the Experts
In a recent discussion, Becca Ford, M.Ed., a Solutions Consultant for the Carey Group, emphasized the importance of understanding the practical applications of these guides. "I speak to frontline staff and supervisors who make decisions about integrating Carey initiatives within their organizations. It's crucial to hear how these tools are being utilized in real-life scenarios," Becca shared. Her extensive background as a school counselor informs her approach, allowing her to identify the challenges faced by youth and find tailored solutions that make a tangible difference.
As Becca noted, the success of the Carey Guides lies not just in their structured framework, but in their ability to engage youth effectively. "Hearing success stories gives me insight into how I can help others who might be struggling," she explained. This insight is critical for continual improvement in the tools provided by the Carey Group.
Real-World Applications
One particularly inspiring example shared during the discussion was from a youth intervention program caseworker who has been implementing the Carey Guides with youth referred from juvenile court in Iowa. The process begins with the Iowa Delinquency Assessment, which identifies risk factors based on the offenses committed by the youth. This assessment allows the caseworker to target specific areas for intervention.
For instance, when working with a youth struggling with anger and aggression linked to gang involvement, the Carey Guides provide a framework for developing new skills. The caseworker recounted how they used the guides to help the youth recognize unhealthy relationships and develop criteria for positive friendships. "We broke down the characteristics of the people he wanted in his life, which helped him see that his current associations weren't aligned with his values," they said. This kind of practical, relatable application is what sets the Carey Guides apart.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the successes, Becca and the caseworker also addressed some common challenges encountered when using the Carey Guides. Resistance from youth is often rooted in their hesitance to engage with written materials. However, the caseworker has found that conversational techniques can effectively bridge this gap. By utilizing their deep understanding of the guides, they can facilitate discussions that allow youth to explore their thoughts and feelings while completing the tool.
The discussion also touched upon the adaptability of the Carey Guides for different age groups and reading levels. While they are designed for youth aged 14 and older, it's been noted that younger clients who have encountered similar life experiences can benefit as well. The key is to assess each youth's individual needs and adjust the approach accordingly.
Expanding Reach into Schools
A significant focus of the conversation was the potential for greater integration of the Carey Guides and Brief Intervention Tools within school systems. Becca expressed a desire to expand their reach, especially in alternative educational settings or through Response to Intervention (RTI). "If we could put these tools in behavior intervention classes, we could address cognitive behavioral patterns early, preventing more serious issues down the line," she remarked.
Building relationships with school personnel, including school resource officers and intervention teachers, is essential. Through a collaborative approach, school staff can utilize Carey Group tools to address behavior intervention goals and support at-risk youth.
Conclusion
The Carey Guides represent a powerful resource for professionals working with youth in challenging environments such as the juvenile justice system. As Becca Ford and the caseworker shared, the real-world impact of these tools is profound, offering not just strategies but a pathway for youth to envision and pursue a more positive future.
The continued success of these guides hinges on open communication between practitioners and the organizations supporting youth. By sharing experiences, addressing challenges, and exploring innovative applications, we can further enhance the effectiveness of the Carey Guides and the transformative potential they hold for the young people we serve.
For those interested in learning more about the Carey Guides and their applications, consider reaching out to the Carey Group to explore how these tools can be integrated into your organization’s efforts to support youth effectively.
Connect with a Carey Group Consultant
Carey Group’s evidence-based online training and consulting services address the needs of the justice system and behavioral health professionals. Training is an essential tool for keeping staff, supervisors, leadership, and stakeholders up to date with emerging knowledge and expectations for improved outcomes. Working closely with Carey Group professionals, agencies are better able to offer a mixture of in-person, online, and self-directed courses on evidence-based practices, motivational interviewing, core professional competencies, case planning and management, continuous quality improvement, coaching, and the use of behavior-change tools and supervisor resources. Talk to a Carey Group consultant today, to get started!