After spending three days hearing inspiring speakers, many of whom had personal experience as youth in the juvenile justice system, Extended Family staff has begun the new year excited to implement the things we learned as we work with at-risk children. One key-note speaker had a particularly relevant topic for the work we do. Brett Peterson is a nationally recognized leader in youth justice reform and implementation and presented invaluable information in his talk, Leading People, Serving People: 4Cs Model for Human-First Systems. Peterson’s method of empowering young people started with his model of becoming Caring, Curious, Centered, and Connected.
His model begins with caring, because, as he pointed out, you can’t do anything better until you care. His idea of being curious was about the ability to hold two conflicting ideas – the one of accountability joined with the other equally important concept of second chances. This is especially important when considering the paradox of kids with great potential who commit heinous crimes. When we are open to both completely opposing ideas, Peterson says, that’s when innovation happens.
Being centered is recognizing the things within our circle of control, an idea originating with author Stephen Covey. We can empower children by teaching them the impact they can have within their own lives just by exercising control over their actions, thoughts, attitudes, and, ultimately, their choices. The last part of Peterson’s model is connection. Youth in custody often haven’t experienced a supportive adult who cares. Connections begin with reshaping a young person’s outlook by working with them to create a more positive self-image and by helping them recognize their own power.
Extended Family Program Leaders are working with hundreds of children in schools and juvenile diversion programs, leading Extended Family for Kids and Extended Family Leadership Academy. We are using the techniques we have learned, including the 4Cs Model for Human-First Systems, to help children of all ages get from where they are today to where they want to be in the future. This type of training helps us see young people for who they are, not just for what they have done.
For more information about Extended Family programs, visit www.extendedfamilyhelp.org. Together we are changing lives, one child at a time.