Saferteens is an evidence-based brief intervention designed to target youth violence. As part of the 30-minute intervention, participants are guided to explore their goals and values, how risky behaviors could affect their goals, and positive ways to resolve conflict. Previous studies led by our team with teens recruited from the emergency department have found that patients who receive the Saferteens program are less likely to report involvement in violence and violence-related consequences at follow-up.
This brief intervention uses motivational interviewing techniques to change behavior in a respectful, non-confrontational, and non-judgmental manner. This one-on-one counseling approach emphasizes individual choice and responsibility and differentiates between future goals/values and current behavior. This method of therapy allows for increased problem recognition, motivation, self-efficacy for change, and tools for anger management and conflict resolution.
This site has many resources you need to consider if this program will work in your clinical setting, including: