Motivational Interviewing for Facilities Staff, 8 hours

STC: 0920-070807

It is crucial for facilities staff to become proficient in Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills to be more effective with youth as well as be in alignment with a department goal in implementing Evidence-based Practice (EBP). The Motivational Interviewing for Facilities Staff course focuses on giving the participant the theoretical background of the MI process, where it fits in the Evidence-based Practice national movement, and their role in using it with youth. Facilities staff has time limitations that may preclude the luxury of longer interactions with youth but can still foster behavior change using these skills. Participants learn to use a variety of short interventions that help to build discrepancy, practice active listening, and identify unproductive communication that inhibit behavior change. The focus is on the importance of building collaborative, supportive relationships that facilitate a smooth handover to field officers on release.