Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
The Next Generation of Solving Problems Collaboratively

Presented by Kimberly R. Hopkins, LICSW

Learn the basics of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions, a mindful, empathetic and empowering way of teaching and parenting kids.

Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) is the empirically supported model Dr. Ross Greene describes in his influential books, The Explosive Child, Lost at School, and the recently released books, Lost and Found and Raising Human Beings. The CPS model provides a compassionate understanding of kids’ behavioral challenges and a non-adversarial, effective approach for reducing challenging behavior, improving communication, and repairing relationships. This model has been implemented in schools, inpatient units, residential facilities, treatment programs, and juvenile detention facilities. For those new to Dr. Greene’s model, this workshop will provide an introduction to the basic themes. You will leave with an understanding of the underpinnings of Dr. Greene’s approach, along with practical assessment and intervention tools that can be used in both general and special education settings.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to: 

• Describe how different explanations for and interpretations of challenging behavior in kids can lead to dramatically different approaches to intervention, and why conventional reward and punishment procedures may not be effective for many challenging kids
• Identify and assess the various cognitive skills that are central to adaptively handling life’s social, emotional, and behavioral challenges
• Identify and prioritize unsolved problems precipitating challenging behavior
• Describe the three basic mechanisms by which adults handle unsolved problems and unmet expectations in kids (Plans A, B, and C) and what is accomplished by each, and the three steps or “ingredients” of Plan B
• Describe how to effectively implement Plan B to solve problems, teach skills, and reduce the frequency and intensity of challenging behavior

  Presenter: Kimberly R. Hopkins, LICSW 
  Director of Outreach and Communications at Lives in the Balance

 Kim has been a licensed social worker since 2000 and has dedicated her entire     career to working with at-risk youth and their families, primarily in residential and   public school settings.  She has worked with some of the most challenging,     misunderstood youth, with a focus on adolescents.  Kim has managed the clinical departments of two organizations serving youth and families who have implemented Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) to improve outcomes/treatment goal attainment and reduce punitive interventions, such as restraints.  In 2007, Kim began working with Dr. Greene providing training and consultation to various organizations and schools looking to learn CPS and implement the model in their setting.