The approach we use at Think:Kids provides staff with a framework for understanding kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The model is based on research in the neurosciences suggesting that challenging kids have failed to develop cognitive skills crucial for adapting to life's challenges, managing frustration, and solving problems. You can read about the basics of the approach here.

Our approach also provides staff with the tools for assessing lagging skills and identifying the triggers that precipitate a resident's worst moments. You can download the Thinking Skills Inventory here to get you started.

Finally, this new approach provides staff with tools for teaching these skills and resolving problems in a mutually satisfactory manner...skills that will last well beyond a resident's placement in a program...skills that a resident will need in the real world.

Because of its emphasis on assessment, skill-building, and problem-solving - rather than on incentives and power-and-control methodologies - the model has been shown to dramatically reduce rates of restraint and locked-door seclusion and reduces recidivism rates in long-term facilities.