Clinicians, educators, mentors, and youth professionals are presented with research-based strategies that will help improve their relationships with youth, including those who have been ignored, discarded, and branded as incorrigible. While opening the door to a positive, strength-based approach to helping youth, the book reinforces a vital principle that tribal communities have embraced for centuries - every child is precious, and even those who are lost and marginalized can and should be reclaimed by society. The authors elaborate on the four guiding principles of the Circle of Courage model of positive youth development: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. Book Reviews "Clinicians, educators, mentors, and youth professionals are presented with research-based strategies that will help improve their relationships with youth, including those who have been ignored, discarded, and branded as incorrigible." —Adolescence "The book is written in an easy-to-read style and is organized for ready reference. The content is surprisingly in-depth and comprehensive. . . . a must-read for anyone wishing to learn about, do research in, or simply remain current in strength-based, family-oriented, wrap-around treatment interventions for troubled youth." Larry L. Hill, Counseling Today About the Authors: Larry Brendtro PhD, is a licensed psychologist and Dean of the Starr Global Learning Network, Albion, Michigan. He served fourteen years as president of Starr Commonwealth and taught in the area of children's behavior disorders at the University of Illinois, The Ohio State University, and Augustana College. He is founding editor of the journal Reclaiming, and with colleagues has authored numerous books on positive learning and treatment environments. Dr. Brendtro has been a member of the U.S. Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency during three administrations, and trains professionals worldwide.. Mary Shahbazian is president of the Allendale Association, which operates educational and treatment programs at various sites in Illinois and Wisconsin. She has 25 years of experience in developing programs for troubled children and their families, serving in roles as child and youth care worker, group counselor, special educator, principal, and agency executive. She is a national senior trainer in Life Space Crisis Intervention and an advisor to numerous private and public bodies concerned with children at risk. She holds graduate degrees in special education and social service administration, and recently completed a master's degree in jurisprudence in child and family law at Loyola University. |