The 2014 First Place Winner for a Publication for Non-Physician Professionals, American Medical Writers Association.

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Reaching Teens: Strength-Based, Trauma-Sensitive, Resilience-Building Communication Strategies Rooted in Positive Youth Development.

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Telling young people what not to do makes them aware of problems, but does little to create change. In fact, it engenders shame and can therefore backfire. An approach that addresses risk by building on the strengths of youth promotes positive changes by building young people’s confidence and helping each understand how much he or she matters. Youth who understand that others expect the best from them gain self-worth and are poised to THRIVE.

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More than 400+ videos combine with written chapters and an enhanced website platform to show how strength-based communication engages and empowers teens. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who works with teens, pediatricians and other physicians, mental health care providers, social service workers, and educators.

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Reaching Teens:

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• Is a comprehensive body of work that prepares professionals TO APPLY the principles of positive youth development, resilience-building strategies, and trauma-sensitive practices to guide youth towards healthy behaviors and wise decisions.
• Is theoretically-rooted and evidence-informed. It is guided by experts with decades of youth-serving experience and infused with the voice of teens.
• Has 95 chapters which offer strength-based, trauma-sensitive communication strategies on building trustworthy relationships, working with parents, addressing stress and its behavioral and mental health outcomes, and approaching specific “risk behaviors.” Concluding chapters address professional longevity, offer strategies to stem burnout, and prepare us to serve over a lifetime.
• Includes over 400 films that share professional and youth wisdom and offer demonstrations of key concepts.
• Offers social workers, counselors and health professionals up to 95 CEU/CME hours.
• Is turn-key ready for virtual learning, including shared group viewing of films and discussion/reflection exercises.

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Many users will choose to navigate only the Internet-based platform; however, people who have the print book also have full access to the platform which links directly to videos, references, and resources. The electronic version allows for tailored experiences for both individual learners and staff charged with creating professional development modules. Streamlined navigational pathways allows you to choose your journey.

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• AI driven inquiry allow users to get instant answers to countless behavioral scenarios. 
• Setting-specific portals allow curated experiences for different practice settings assuring content most relevant to each setting is highlighted and the reflection and group learning exercises use cases specific to each setting. The following settings have their own portals: 1) Educational; 2) Juvenile Justice; 3) Legal; 4) Drug and Alcohol; 5) Foster Care; 6) Health Care; 7) Sports and Physical Recreation; and 8) Settings Serving Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Unstable Housing, and Human Trafficking.
• Skill-based Unit portals allow the learner to explore broad concepts. The electronic version automatically cohorts key chapters that support the broad skills you seek to strengthen. Currently, there are 17 “units,” including:
  
  • The basics of effective communication with youth
  • Honoring diversity and practicing cultural humility
  • Instituting trauma-sensitive practices
  • Stress-management
  • Helping young people learn self-regulation
  • Self-care for youth-serving professionals

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Visit the website to test-ride these functionalities: Reaching Teens Homepage

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For a three-page detailed description of Reaching Teens including its evidence base, download the PDF below.

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The Toolkit can be obtained directly from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  Individuals can purchase one toolkit, but most communities and organizations find it most cost-effective to obtain a license for all staff use.