Through collaborative strengths-based approaches which endorse the most dignified, respectful and effective services, MYRIAD will build on and enhance the capacities of people, groups and organizations who are committed to change, promotion and growth in the pursuit of their stated goals and preferred possibilities.

Probation Officers Association of Ontario (POAO)
Building Bridges in Partnerships - Symposium

Windsor, Ontario
November 15, 2011

Getting to Better:
Using a Relational and Strengths Based Approach to working in Probation

A Relationship Based Strengths Approach (RBSA) represents a set of core values that are aimed to cultivate, enhance and sustain relationships, strengths, resiliencies and potential. Unlike many traditional approaches that focus on problems, deficits and an over-reliance on theory, the RBSA takes the perspective that clients have important stories which contain a wealth of strengths and resources needed to effectively work towards meaningful and pro-social change. This interactive and process oriented seminar provides professionals working in probation with practical tools and strategies for approaching clients from a relational and strengths based orientation.

In the context of individual and group helping, participants will:

  • Learn the foundational values of a Relationship Based Strengths Approach
  • Recognize the importance of relationships as foundational for positive change and preferred outcomes for clients
  • Learn to engage in active and tangible strengths based interventions
  • Develop skills in communication methods for enhancing effective relationships and building on strengths
  • Learn how to recognize, understand and respond to resistance in a manner that decreases resistance and opposition
  • Explore approaches that cultivate and attain both important client goals and overall preferred outcomes – through RBSA case management

Strengths Based Strategies
for Justice Professionals

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

A relationship based strengths approach (RBSA) represents a core set of values that are aimed to cultivate, enhance and sustain relationships, strengths, resiliencies, and potential. This two-day workshop will expose professionals who work with youth to various tools and strategies that can motivate and empower youth to adopt a more pro-social lifestyle. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on problems, deficits and an over-reliance on theory, RBSA takes the perspective that youth have important stories which contain a wealth of strengths and resources to effectively cope with, persevere, and overcome many of the challenges they face.

Focusing on strengths-based perspectives, this two-day workshop will expose participants to various tools and strategies that can be used to motivate and empower youth to adopt a more pro-social lifestyle. Using this evidence based approach can also promote options that youth can explore to build on their strengths, further reduce criminal behaviours and assist them in adopting more life affirming and community endorsed goals.

Event Dates and Locations

Event PDFs

Frontier School Division:
Professional Development Days

Area 1 School Division School Counselors & Supports

October 12, 2011
Thompson, Manitoba

Creating Conditions for Success:
Using a Relationship Based Strengths Approach in the Classroom

Workshop Overview


Area 4 School Division School Counselors & Supports

Cranberry Portage, Manitoba
October 13, 2011

"Once Upon a Time…Even the Troubled Kid Ran Excited to School"

Creating Conditions for Success:
Using a Relationship Based Strengths Approach in the Classroom

Workshop Overview


Getting to Better in Australia
with Newcastle Youth Accommodation Services
(Sponsored by Companion Credit Union)

September 27 & 28th, 2011 – The Willows in Gosford, Australia
September 29 & 30th, 2011 – Wests Mayfield in Newcastle, Australia
October 6 & 7th, 2011 – Redfern Town Hall in Sydney, Australia

A Relationship Based Strengths Approach to Working with Youth

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, attendees will:

  • Understand the link between early experiences of youth in social services and the challenges in caring for and working with them.
  • Be familiar with the RBSA approach to social work helping.
  • Learn how to operationalize the RBSA principles in the context of caring for, supporting and working with youth.
  • Through experience and practice, develop skill in communication methods for building on strengths and enhancing relationships.
  • Learn how to avoid and/or decrease resistant and oppositional behavior.
  • Learn and understand how many discipline approaches are ineffective and counterintuitive to preferred ways of working and desired outcomes for youth.
  • Learn how to promote conditions that encourage positive and prosocial behavior and how to avoid ineffective discipline practices.
  • With the use of case examples, learn the RBSA process steps to effective discipline.
  • Through guided exercises, initiate the development of a personalized practice-oriented action plan for dealing with difficult youth behaviors.

To register for this workshop, please download the form here.

For more information, please visit the website at www.gettingtobetter.ca.


Getting to Better
Workshop #1: Relationship Recovery and Resilience

Winnipeg, Manitoba
October 10, 2010
March 19, 2011
May 7, 2011
June 11, 2011

Brandon, Manitoba
June 4, 2011

Altona, Manitoba
April 30, 2011

Thompson, Manitoba
November 13, 2010

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

This workshop has been our most popular training offering since 2007. It has been offered to over 2000 foster parents, social workers, support workers and parents who live and work with teens across Canada. Hundreds of child and youth caring professionals refer to Steve's Getting to Better workshop series as "one of the best trainings in child welfare" and as "the most practical and concrete approach for working with difficult teens".

Strong relationships and effective communication are critical for fostering motivation, enthusiasm, and cooperation in the process of building safe, responsible and productive young people. This one day workshop will provide you with the information, tools and techniques proven to significantly improve relationships and communications with youth.

By the end of this session, participants will be equipped not only with the powerful tools needed for building and/or strengthening relationships with the pre-teens and teens in their lives, but will uncover their own unique strengths and talents for raising healthy, happy, resilient children.

For more information, please visit the website at www.gettingtobetter.ca.


Healthy Child ASD/FASD Conference:
Focusing on Strengths

Similar Differences:
Approaching Children and Youth with Neurodevelopmental Sensitivities from a Relational and Strengths Based Perspective

May 5, 2011
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

This seminar will explore the concepts of working with neurodevelopmentally challenged children from a relational and strengths based perspective. It will provide practical ways to develop respectful and collaborative relationships, cultivate, build on and mobilize strengths for the purposes of bringing about the most effective support and preferred outcomes for children.

Seminar Poster


Strengths Based Approach to Supervision Training

(Three Day Workshop)
*The 3 Day Training differs from the 2 day in that it incorporates a focus on Relationship Based Strengths Approach practice and identifying and dealing with resistances.

A Strengths Based Approach to Supervision (SBMS) is an integral mechanism for facilitating relational and strengths based service in the best interests of youth and simultaneously advancin the preferred performance of managers, supervisors and workers who support them.

The Strengths Based Model of Supervision is a highly practical and effective method for approaching supervision in a way that is congruent with the vision and values of MCYS-YJSD and, fosters an environment which promotes staff motivation, self-determination, empowerment and performance through a structure and processes that are grounded in relational and strengths based principles.

At the completion of this Three Day Strengths Based Model of Supervision Training Participants will:

  • Understand the Vision and Mission of the MCYS-YJSD
  • Learn the connection between the MCYS-YJSD Vision and the Relationship Based Strengths Approach (RBSA)
  • Learn to identify and understand various types of resistances within system and the workplace
  • Learn effective strategies for approaching and dealing effectively with resistance
  • Understand the RBSA to Working with Youth and how this perspective is operationalized in practice
  • Understand how a Strengths Based Model of Supervision fits into the larger MCYS-YJSD context
  • Have an opportunity through guided exercise to identify "Best Moments" in their experience of effective and meaningful supervision
  • Understand the differences between Supervision as Discipline and Supervision as Performance Development
  • Understand the negative implications pitfalls of some Traditional approaches to Supervision
  • Be familiar with the underlying and guiding principles of a Strengths Based Model of Supervision
  • Learn the specific structure and process of a Strengths Based Model of Supervision
  • Learn about and, how to use, relevant Strengths Based Model of Supervision tools
  • Through guided exercise, initiate the development of a plan to integrate the operation of a SBMS in their respective settings

National Child Day Forum:
Celebrating 10 Years of Community Partnerships

Winnipeg, Manitoba
November 16-17, 2010

Building Resilience: Using a Relational and Strengths Approach with Children and Youth

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

Parents, caregivers and helpers have an important role in developing resiliencies in children and youth. This task is exceedingly critical in the context of rearing children and youth who have a variety of social, emotional and/or cognitive challenges. This seminar will explore the concept of resiliency and emphasize the importance of utilizing a relational and strengths based approach for supporting children and youth, on their unique developmental journeys. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about relational and strengths based care giving practice, including techniques that promote safety, value and direction for c hildren and youth. Discussion will include effectively approaching children and youth who maybe affected by neurodeveloopmental differences. Practical applications for understanding and dealing effectively with challenging child and youth behaviours will be provided and represent an important element of the seminar.


The Coalition on Alcohol and Pregnancy
CAP Conference: Sharing Manitoba Expertise

Winnipeg, Manitoba
May 20, 2010

The Importance of Approaching FASD with a Relational and Strengths Based Approach

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

Adolescent Parent Interagency Network (APIN) Conference
Understand, Reach Out and Connect with Youth

Winnipeg, Manitoba
April 30, 2010

Shut-Up and Communicate: Practical Ways for Reaching Youth

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

This seminar will explore the challenges of working with teenagers and young adults and provide an overview of the various reasons why so many youth choose not to engage, communicate, or cooperate with the adult helpers in their lives. Attendees will have opportunities to discover ineffective approaches of engaging teenage service users and will be offered practical tools and strategies for understanding, communicating and working, the most effectively, with these youth.


Capacity Building and Collaboration:
Enhancing Strategies and Developing Professional Partnerships to Better Serve Adults with FASD

Goose Bay, Labrador
February 16-17, 2010

Conference Presenter
Strategic Planning Facilitator

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

This two day conference aimed at engaging individuals from the social sector as well as governments and community agencies to share knowledge and highlight best practices on working with adults who are FASD affected. It addressed the urgent need for an integrated community approach for addressing FASD in adulthood. This conference brought together a diverse group of professionals (Justice, Health, Child Welfare, Education) who, utilizing a strengths based approach developed partnerships and initiated an action plan to address the issues affecting adults with FASD.

Conference Objectives:

  • Expand our understanding of FASD in adults and how it impacts the affected individuals as well as the community as a whole.
  • Learn about innovative programs, projects and practices that are making a difference.
  • Share ideas and personal experiences of working with individuals who are FASD affected.
  • Discuss what has been effective and productive when working with these individuals.
  • Network, interact and engage discussion with others in the field.
  • Build on our strengths and develop new and innovative initiatives to address the needs of adults who are FASD affected.

The Northwest Territories FASD Symposium

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
November 24-25, 2009

Key Note Address - Got Strengths? Searching for the “Not-So-Obvious”

Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

Possibilities for Approaching Youth with FASD:
Utilizing a Relational and Strengths Based Approach

This interactive workshop is highly practical in nature. It will explore concepts and principles for working with and caring for youth with FASD in a relational and strength-based way. This approach has been successfully used for over five years in care giving by youth care workers, foster care parents and other caregivers. It provides ways to develop respectful relationships with individuals with FASD based on that individual’s perceived needs, goals, interests, hopes and desires. This approach is individualized, developed in collaboration with the specific individual, and allows for plans to be continually updated allowing individuals to change and move towards their identified goals.


Awakening the Spirit:
 Moving Forward in Child Welfare

The Prairie Child Welfare Consortium’s (PCWC) 5th Annual Child Welfare Conference

October 21, 2009
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

From Planning to Practice: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Build a Strenths Based Future in Child Welfare

Jay Rodgers MSW
Stephen De Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

The first three hour workshop segment will focus on how AI can be used for strategic planning in a practical way that applies social work values and empowers front line staff. An innovative planning model will be presented and contrasted with more traditional approaches. A presentation will cover AI theory and describe a child welfare case study where AI was used for inclusive system wide planning. Attendees will participate in an exercise to experience specific AI planning skills and conclude with an open discussion about how AI can connect planning with social work values.

The second segment will shift from planning to the practice level. Context will be set by describing the results of a pilot project sponsored by the CASW which produced a new training curriculum and peer support workbook. The curriculum stresses the capacity building potential of educating social workers in a way that better prepares them for responding positively to the unique realities of child welfare work. The goal is to empower teams to apply a strengths based strategy to achieve improved practice conditions. Attendees will work in small groups to apply one or more sections of the curriculum and assess its applicability to their own teams and day to day work situations.


2009 Alberta College of Social Workers Conference:
100 Years of Change and Beyond

Calgary Alberta, Canada
March 26 – 28th, 2009

Planning to Practice: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Build a Strengths Based Future in Child Welfare

Jay Rodgers, MSW, Chief Executive Officer, General Child and Family Services Authority Manitoba
Stephen de Groot, MSW, RSW, Clinical and Organizational Consultant MYRIAD Consultation and Counselling

Learn about Appreciative Inquiry and how this new framework can empower front line workers by introducing strengths-based initiatives in child welfare planning and practice.

A Relationship Based Strengths Approach (RBSA) to Discipline with Youth

Stephen de Groot, MSW, RSW

Learn to respectfully and effectively deal with challenging youth behaviors with an approach to discipline that simultaneously enhances relationships while fostering youth self-determination, learning and responsibility.


3rd International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Integrating Research, Policy and Promising Practive Around the World: A Catalyst for Change

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
March 11th – 14th, 2009

Possibilities for Approaching Discipline with Youth with FASD: Utilizing a Relational and Strengths Based Approach

Stephen De Groot MSW, RSW
Susan Opie MSW, RSW

This interactive half-day workshop is highly practical in nature. It will explore concepts and principles for working with and caring for youth with FASD in a relational and strength-based way. This approach has been successfully used for over five years in caregiving by youth care workers, foster care parents and other caregivers. It provides ways to develop respectful relationships with individuals with FASD based on that individual’s perceived needs, goals, interests, hopes and desires. This approach is individualized, developed in collaboration with the specific individual, and allows for plans to be continually updated allowing individuals to change and move towards their identified goals.


Social Work National Conference 2008
Human Rights in a Diverse Community

Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre
Toronto, Ontario
May 22 - 25, 2008

Steve de Groot BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Jay Rodgers BSW, MSW

Empowering Social Workers in the Workplace: A Strength-Based Strategy for Child Welfare

This presentation describes the results of a pilot project which produced a new training curriculum and peer support workbook for use in the child welfare workplace. The goal was to develop a practical and innovative approach to empower teams of child protection workers to achieve improved working conditions in their practice environment. This project was sponsored by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) in collaboration with two Manitoba partners: the General Child and Family Services Authority and Winnipeg Child and Family Services Branch.


Passion for Action:
Building on Strength and Innovative Changes in Child and Family Services

Prairie Child Welfare Consortium (PCWC)
4th BiAnnual Symposium
September 12 – 14, 2007

Stephen de Groot BSW, MSW, RSW
Jay Rodgers BSW, MSW

Empowering Social Workers in the Workplace: A Strengths Based Strategy for Child Welfare: An innovative Approach to training

This presentation describes the results of a pilot project which produced a new training curriculum. The curriculum embraces strength based values and stresses the capacity building potential of educating social workers in a way that better prepares them for the workplace realities of child welfare work. An underlying assumption is that working conditions in child welfare, practice decisions and quality of outcomes for children, youth and families are inseparable and inextricably linked. The presentation will:

  • Summarize key findings from earlier phases of the CASW’s Child Welfare Project focusing on the organizational constraints that can impede practice and result in social workers feeling disconnected from their core professional values.
  • Demonstrate the innovative nature of the curriculum by contrasting this Appreciative Inquiry approach with traditional training techniques.
  • Describe the five core components of the curriculum and how these can be used to restore the predominance of strength based values in practice.
  • Provide an overview of the process that has been developed to assist supervisors to implement the curriculum in a peer support approach to build capacity of their own child welfare team.
  • Report on the evaluation of the educational strategy including observed changes that occurred during the pilot project.

A Relationship Based Strengths Approach
Discipline with Youth

Workshop Facilitator

Stephen de Groot is a clinical and organizational consultant and author of the Relationship Based Strengths Approach (RBSA) to working with youth, families and communities. He has been providing support, education and training to parents and helping professionals for over 15 years. Steve’s approach has been developed out of his successful practice experiences and life stories from more than 1000 teenagers and hundreds of families, many of whom have been identified by various service providers as being “the most difficult”, “the most challenging” and/or having the “highest needs” for support and intervention.

Workshop Overview

The Relationship Based Strengths Approach (RBSA) to Discipline is a highly practical day workshop for those who care for or work with youth. This interactive and process-oriented workshop provides caregivers and helpers opportunities to reflect on and evaluate their own approaches to discipline with youth. It offers concrete and useful guidelines which are value-based for approaching effective discipline in a manner that simultaneously enhances relationships while fostering youth self-determination, learning and responsibility.

Some of the workshop topic areas include:

  • Goals and Discipline: a discussion.
  • Reflective exercises.
  • Building a Case for A Relationship Based Strengths Approach (RBSA) to discipline.
  • Understanding and dealing with resistance and oppositional behaviour.
  • Communication tools for building and sustaining relationship.
  • “Doing Relationships” – tools
  • “Doing Strengths” – tools
  • Conditions that promote positive behaviour.
  • Ineffective discipline practices.
  • Important things to keep in mind (Cautions – applications to youth with FASD, or other developmental challenges).
  • Natural and Logical Consequences.
  • RBSA process steps to discipline.
  • Reflective exercise and action plan.

Workshop Participant Feedback

“I was feeling discouraged…You inspired me to keep trying and gave me lots of new ideas/things to try. I will share all of this with my staff and colleagues. Thank you so much!” - Manager, Specialized Foster Treatment

“I’ve been to a lot of seminars and workshops, and this one was one of the best ever! It was informative, practical and inspiring!” – Level 6, Youth Care Worker

“I’m telling everyone how awesome this training is, and advocate to make it accessible to ALL foster parents. Thank You!” – Foster Parent

“An excellent workshop! This training should be made mandatory for all people working with youth in the child welfare field.” – Social Worker, Child and Family Services

“This workshop has given us hope. We thought we tried everything. We haven’t even come close! We loved everything, especially the 400 plus tips! Thank you Stephen!” – Parents (of four teenagers)

“I think this is what I’ve been missing in the classroom…A practical and straightforward approach to focusing on strengths and building relationships. I’m excited again!” – Teacher, Specialized Behavioral Classroom

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