Building Trust with Resistant System-Involved Youth

Brooke Hailey, PhD, LMFT

Training Description

This training focuses on practical, trauma-informed strategies for building trust with resistant system-involved youth, including those in foster care or impacted by complex trauma. Participants will explore the underlying causes of resistance, including attachment disruptions, adverse childhood experiences, and survival-based behaviors. Through interactive discussion, case scenarios, and skill-building exercises, attendees will learn how to engage youth authentically and effectively. This training is highly relevant for those working with foster youth, as it strengthens relationship-based strategies  that improve outcomes and stability.

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least three root causes of resistance in system-involved youth and explain their connection to trauma and attachment disruptions.

• Apply at least four evidence-based engagement strategies to build trust and reduce resistance in youth interactions.