Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a non-judgmental, non-confrontational technique that can foster a sense of personal and professional empowerment for staff in working with youth in the Juvenile Justice/Youth care settings. The session will provide an understanding of the basic concepts, proven strategies and techniques involved in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how it can be developed and utilized innovatively dynamic in the targeted settings. The session will be informative for staff with little no knowledge of the MI approach, as well as, those individuals who are already implementing this model.

In order to work more effectively and foster change in the behavior and lives of the youth we come into contact with, we have to have a certain degree of perception and awareness of each young person’s feelings and what motivates them to do what they do. Motivational Interviewing has been utilized to work effectively with troubled youth in creating environments that stress the importance of understanding and empathy, staff must have the ability to “see” each youth as who they are and “where they are” to be most effective. The end goal should always be to move youth from a place of negativity to a place where change and positive accountability can take hold, and in time create long-term changes in their lives. MI provides an effective alternative to confrontational negative interactions with youth through a comprehensive understanding all aspects of communication and its companion ideology of intrinsic motivation principles.