Replacing Coercive Power with Relationship Power

A long-established agency for troubled children was following a philosophy based on behavioral control and treatment of pathology. As staff examined their beliefs about the process of change, the climate evolved from enforcing behavior control to empowering youth to develop positive strengths. A cha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reclaiming children and youth 2007, Vol.15 (4), p.243
Main Authors: Boldt, Randal W, Witzel, Melanie, Russell, Chuck, Jones, Van
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Antisocial Behavior
At Risk Persons
Behavior
Behavior Disorders
Behavior Modification
Beliefs
Charter Schools
Children
Children & youth
Coping
Counselor Training
Discipline
Emotional Disturbances
Emotional Response
Empowerment
Foster care
Freedom
Interpersonal Relationship
Intervention
Interviews
Literature Reviews
Locus of Control
Management Systems
Medical treatment
Organizational change
Pathology
Program Effectiveness
Residential Programs
Self Control
Social Services
Student Behavior
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Summary:A long-established agency for troubled children was following a philosophy based on behavioral control and treatment of pathology. As staff examined their beliefs about the process of change, the climate evolved from enforcing behavior control to empowering youth to develop positive strengths. A charter school was created and new behavior management systems enabled students to shift from an external to an internal locus of control. Students became responsible for achieving therapeutic tasks related to strength-based principles of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Staff training focused on responding strategically to student behavior rather than reacting out of anger, fear, or power.
ISSN:1089-5701