The Strengths-Based Model is a recovery-oriented, evidence-based case management model developed by Charles Rapp and colleagues at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. It was developed in the early 1980’s in response to traditional mental health approaches that often focused on pathology and diagnosis, held low expectations for what people with mental illnesses could achieve in their life, and frequently used stabilization and maintenance as measures of success.

The model has a solid research base demonstrating improved outcomes in the areas of decreased hospitalization, increased competitive employment, increased post-secondary education, independent living, and other quality of life indicators. The model is designed to help people identify meaningful and important recovery goals and then mobilize highly individualized strengths to achieve them.

This workshop is designed to help participants understand how to provide person-centered case planning to help clients reach their goals. Differences between a medical model and a strength-based model will be explored.

Additionally, participants will understand how to use a variety of natural resources including spiritual, cultural, community and family resources when developing effective case plans.

Case studies will be used to demonstrate the strength- based model.

A certificate of completion will be provided to all participants that complete the session. The certificate can be used to apply for CEUs for various disciples such as social work, peer certification and more. This training is free of charge. Registration is required.

Trainers: Eileen Hayes, President & CEO of Amos House, has been a social worker for 33 years. She received her Masters Degree from NYU School of Social Work in 1984. Throughout her career she has held a variety of positions including the Director of Services for Adolescents and Young Families at the YWCA of New York and the Director of Parenting Education Services for the New York City Department of Health. From 1990 to 2001 she combined her private psychotherapy practice  with her work as a national consultant for MDRC, a research organization that implemented a range of promising programs to address issues of poverty and unemployment for unemployed and underemployed adults throughout the country. Ms. Hayes joined Amos House in 2001 as President/CEO. Amos House is a  social service agency and soup kitchen in Providence Rhode Island that provides recovery housing, training and employment for poor and homeless men, women, and children.

Christine P. Rhodes LICSW received her BA from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and her Masters Degree from Rhode Island College School of Social Work. Prior to beginning her own private practice in Providence 7 years ago, Chris was the Clinical Director at Amos House for 9 years. She has also held positions at  Day One, The Providence Center and AdCare Hospital, and has taught in the Doctoring Program at The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. She brings nearly 20 years of experience working with chronically homeless individuals and families who often are also struggling with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, education barriers and employment difficulties. Christine P. Rhodes is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and is a Certified Anger Management Specialist.