Module: 4.5.2v Virtual Module: Exploring Protective Factors for Children and Youth Mental Health Wellness
During this module, participants will understand the importance of protective factors and how their practices in program support the mental health and wellness of youth by building protective factors.
This module was developed as a part of the OST Wellness Network and adapted for virtual training delivery as part of the Virtual Training Project.
NOTE: Participants must download and install the Zoom app prior to the session. Be sure to test your technology ahead of time and join the call at least 5 minutes early. (If you don't have access to a video-capable device, you may join on audio only using the phone numbers in the confirmation email). Lastly, participants will be utilizing Google Docs during the session.
In this training, participants will:
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Explore how OST programs and staff can strengthen protective factors for children and youth impacted by trauma
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Understand how positive child and youth development principles connect to successful trauma-informed and healing-centered practices
- Identify connection between practices in program and supporting mental health for children and youth
Content Overview:
Topic Introduction and Key Concepts
Participants will spend time reviewing the key concepts for this virtual training.
Building Protective Factors
Participants will learn what protective factors are and engage in some self-reflection around how they model and support social-emotional learning skills of young people in their program. Social-emotion learning skills are protective factors that support a young person’s well-being and mental health.
Practices to Build Protective Factors
Participants will learn different components to building protective factors and connect them to the practices they implement in their program
Protective Factor Continuum
Using the Protective Factor Continuum, participants review the strategies that build protective factors, give examples, and provide instances when they have used various strategies. Participants use scenarios to think through situations and their response. This activity gets participants thinking about how they can use these strategies alone or in tandem to support protective factors.
Training Length: 2 hours