INTERVENTION > COUNSELLING

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COUNSELLING

The ability to apply a range of helping approaches and techniques with individuals, families and groups that lead to a better understanding about themselves and about others, improving their social functioning, enhancing their skills in fulfilling social roles, and making necessary or desired changes in their lives (adapted from: The University of Montana, 2012; McCain, Gill, Wills & Larson, 2004);

PROFICIENCY LEVELS

* Proficiency Level – the level of competency proficiency one must command to successfully perform job functions in a gang related context 

Recognises oneself as a professional working in a gang development context;
Knows youth rights and laws, the juvenile delinquency context and street violence phenomenon, related to gang culture/affiliation

Respects and cares for all community, and understands the need of being open minded and non-judgmental in a gang context; develops trusting relationships, and maintains awareness of diversity and youth/gang culture;
Recognises and addresses the need for intervention (e.g.: drug or alcohol abuse, domestic abuse or violence, and depression), in gang environments;

Co-produces with filed professionals and community members new professional practices relevant for the gang phenomenon;
Adapts professional practices to include ethics and boundaries, confidentiality, while related to gangs’ aspects;

Facilitates person-centred planning, and involves community members including gangs, in their own planning process;
Creates new counselling networks, in the gang context, in order to increase the projects’ feasibility;
Engages and builds relationships with family members or other significant people;

Involves families, guardians, and advocates (when appropriate) and other people from community;
Tracks progress and develops new and effective strategies as needed, according to the needs/characteristics of the gang context.

SAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

KNOWLEDGE OF

Youth rights and laws

Juvenile delinquency context

Street violence phenomenon

ABILITY TO

Operate on the field

Assess and make individual planning

Supports professional integration | 
Career exploration

Communicate with Youth

Maintain and enhance the relationships with families and community