YOUTH IN NEED

Youth In Need uses a strengths-based philosophy in all of its programs. A strengths-based approach helps children, teens and families explore and use internal strengths (abilities, coping skills and resilience) and external resources (family, friends, school, employers, religious affiliations and other community resources). By using this approach, clients are able to self-direct their treatment outcomes, discovering their strengths to solve the issues they face.

A strengths-based perspective is not a theory, but an overarching philosophical position in which people are seen as having capabilities and resources within themselves and their social systems. When cultivated, activated and integrated with new experiences, understandings, ideas and skills, these strengths help people to reduce pain and suffering, resolve concerns and conflicts, and cope more effectively with life stressors. This contributes to an improved sense of well-being and quality of life, and higher levels of relational and social functioning. Strengths-based practitioners promote change through respectful educational, therapeutic and operational processes and practices that encourage and empower others.