Solution Focused Interviewing with Challenging Clients

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: New and experienced lineworkers and supervisors

Intended Objectives:

• Identify Solution Focused Interviewing Skills with culturally diverse clients that facilitate client respect, cooperation and motivation to resolve their problems.
• Demonstrate Solution Focused Interviewing techniques that resolve conflict and poor motivation on the behalf of the client.
• Skill application of a Solution Focused interview in a manner that produces accurate information for various Court Hearings.

Topics Include:

• Solution Focused Interviewing Skills
• Narrative Skills
• Techniques of Re-member
• Skill application of Solution Focused Interviewing Skills
• Address cultural issues presented
• Addressing assessment and case plan documentation in court hearing reports in which solution focused interviewing was utilized.

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.3 Student demonstrates the ability to conduct an ethnically and culturally competent assessment of a child and family and to develop an effective intervention plan.

3.1 Student is able to practice basic principles and techniques of interviewing children and families for purposes of assessment, intervention, and service planning.

3.7 Student is able to gather, assess, and present pertinent information from interviews, case records, and collateral sources in evaluating an abuse or neglect allegation and making effective referrals for services or further evaluation.

3.8 Student demonstrates the ability to respectfully relate to, engage, and assess family members from a strengths-based “person in environment” perspective, and to develop and implement a case plan based on this assessment

3.9 Student demonstrates the ability to engage and work with involuntary clients in a manner that includes the exercise of client self-determination.

3.13 Student demonstrates the ability and self-awareness to assess his or her own value conflicts or emotional responses to clients, coworkers, and situations and seeks consultation when needed.

4.1 Student demonstrates skill in interviewing children and families for assessment, service planning, intervention, and forensic purposes.

4.3 Student works collaboratively with biological families, foster families, and kin networks, involving them in assessment and planning and helping them access services and develop coping strategies.

5.5 Student demonstrates understanding of how the strengths perspective and empowerment approaches can positively influence growth, development, and behavior change.