Running Head: COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS

Community Solutions, Inc. Richard C. Carter, Jr. Wilmington University

COMMUNTIY SOLUTIONS Community Solutions, Inc.

The program at Community Solutions that will be written about is called Motivational Interviewing. People often have conflicting feelings about their unhealthy behaviors. Change involves more than simply taking in new information. Instead, it is more effective to engage in a short conversation that quickly helps one find their personal reasons for change. Numerous studies show that Motivational Interviewing is one of the most promising ways to help people change behavior. In this program, Motivational Interviewing uses a person-centered approach that helps people to prepare for change by looking at and resolving their mixed feelings about the change. Informational instruction, demonstration, discussion, and practice with feedback are combined in an adult-learning environment. In this program, Motivational Interviewing has been applied to a wide range of problem behaviors related to alcohol and substance abuse as well as health promotion, medical treatment adherence, and mental health issues. The following elements are included in the Motivational Interviewing Program: Establishing rapport with the client and listening reflectively. Asking open-ended questions to explore the clients own motivations for change. Affirming the clients change-related statements and efforts. Eliciting recognition of the gap between current behavior and desired life goals. Asking permission before providing information or advice. Responding to resistance without direction confrontation. Encouraging the clients self-efficacy for change. Developing an action plan to which the client is willing to commit.

COMMUNTIY SOLUTIONS The Case Manager is the one responsible for the implementation of the program. The program is managed in that all residents of the facility are required to go through the program. Depending on what stage of the program the resident is in, some of the sessions are done in group settings, and other sessions are done one on one.

Because some of the men are not at the facility during the day, most of the group sessions are held in the evenings. The one on one session are usually done during the day with those that have not left the facility, and for the ones that have left for the day, these are usually done in a one day setting that is a mandatory attendance, or on rotating weekends. If I were the Director of the facility, I would also involve the Senior Case Manager in the management of the program. First, I really think that it is too much for one person to handle this all own their own along with the other responsibilities that they have. Secondly, the Senior Case Manager needs to be involved so they would know how to take the program over in the absence of the Case Manager that is responsible for the program. I also feel that the residents that are not taking this program seriously need to have their probation officers informed. This is not happening consistently, and this entire facility is about reentering these residents into society. If the residents are not taking this seriously, then they are not going to take having to change their behaviors in the communities that they are going back to seriously as well. If I were the Director of the facility, I would keep the curricula of the program the same. The program is well structured and guided in order to facilitate successful outcomes. The program is fairly easy to understand, and is structured in a way that the target audience can easily understand it. In regards to funding, this is already taken care of. The facility is federally funded by the Bureau of Prisons. The facility receives funds based upon the number of residents residing at that facility. Also, when the residents find employment, one fourth of what they earn goes back to the facility to support the care that is given to the resident.

COMMUNTIY SOLUTIONS

As a Director, I would look for employees that had the qualities of someone that cares for people. In addition, I would also look for customer service qualities in my staff because we are dealing with a population that can be at times, difficult to handle. In addition, I would look for those with strong personalities who can communicate well, and that can balance multiple tasks. But, most importantly, I would look for those that are genuinely approachable. I would also want people that are able to articulate what they are saying. This is important so people can understand what they are trying to convey to a person. In regards to an intern, I would look for an intern who wants to learn, and that does not appear to be a know it all. I would want someone that is presentable, and that can work with minimal supervision. Another quality I would look for in an intern is their ability to think outside the box and make things happen. I feel that an intern coming from a Masters Program should have the ability to work independently, but not be afraid to ask questions if they do not know something. I would also look for qualities of someone that will offer ideas and suggestions for improvement if they see them arise.