University of Denver
We to Me|Promoting
Youth as Problem Solvers
Between Teens|Planning
in Advance
This curriculum consists of three one-day trainings: “We to Me:
Working with Youth from a Cultural Perspective”; “Promoting
Youth as Problem Solvers:
Coping with Mental Health and Substance Abuse”; “Between Teens”
and one two-day training “Planning in Advanced: Life Beyond Foster
Care.”
We to Me: Working with Youth from a Cultural Perspective
This workshop explores understanding and interacting with youth
based on their cultural differences (including ethnicity, religion, sexual
orientation, and lifestyle). Participants learn to help youngsters build
on their cultural foundations in preparation for the transition from out
of home care to living independently.
Promoting Youth as Problem Solvers: Coping with Mental Health
and Substance Abuse
Depression, addiction, and anxiety/PTSD are common problems for youth
in the child welfare system. This workshop addresses strategies to support
youth in coping with mental health and substance abuse problems by taking
active roles in accessing and using services available to them. Emphasis
is placed on encouraging youth to establish personal goals and plans as
a map for living healthy, independent lives.
Between Teens
There is a group of youth served by social services whose functioning
falls below most of their peers but above those who have been diagnosed
with developmental disabilities. Being in-between often means having needs
that the human services system is less prepared to meet. This workshop
explores the needs of these youth and practical approaches and services
to help them make transitions.
Planning In Advance: Life Beyond Foster Care
Preparing youth for living on their own begins long before the youth turns
sixteen. This course provides foster parents and workers useful information
on transitioning children in care to independent living. This training
is designed for foster parents and workers who work with youngsters as
young as eight who are likely to emancipate from foster care.
Project Contact Information
University of Denver
2199 South University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80208-2121
Dr. Cathryn Potter, PI
University of Denver
Graduate School of Social Work
2148 South High Street
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2913
Sandra Spears
cpotter@du.edu
sspears@du.edu
Curriculum Availability
Additional information on the curriculum is available at www.ifduonline.org/ilproj.htm.
For questions about the curriculum or information on how to obtain copies
of the curriculum, please contact Sandra Spears.
