Youth experience mixed messages throughout their life that pull them in multiple directions. This can sometimes lead them to express maladaptive behaviors that result in negative interactions with parents, peers, and law enforcement.
To teach youth crucial skills during their time with PESA, various evidence-based and strength-based approaches to reform the youth’s behavior are implemented. One of these techniques is called S.M.A.R.T. Goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely Goals.
“For the youth PESA supports, it allows them to recognize and celebrate small areas of personal growth,” says Fleur, an MSW Intern. S.M.A.R.T. Goals are a step by step process that allows the social worker to gain insight into the youth’s overarching objective, while also granting them the tools to self-support once they have completed their program.