Managing Youth at Risk Course

Young people facing significant risk factors, whether from poverty, family instability, violence exposure or other adversity, require a distinct set of practitioner skills beyond standard youth work practice. This course builds trauma-informed, evidence-based skills for effectively supporting at-risk young people while protecting practitioner wellbeing.

Common challenges this course addresses:

• You work with young people showing signs of trauma but lack formal training in trauma-informed practice
• You struggle to build trust with young people who have learned that adults are unreliable
• You are unsure how to assess risk levels accurately and respond proportionately
• You lack clear referral pathways for concerns beyond your scope of practice
• The emotional demands of this work leave you at risk of burnout without adequate support strategies

This course builds trauma-informed skills to support at-risk young people effectively while protecting your own wellbeing.

What You Will Leave With

Practical tools applicable immediately.

Defiance or Dysregulation? Why the Distinction Matters

A behaviour that looks identical from the outside can have two completely different causes

Why this module matters: Trauma-informed practice begins with genuinely understanding how trauma affects behaviour, trust and development, not simply labelling behaviour as difficult.

• The neurobiological impact of trauma on behaviour and development
• Recognising trauma responses that are often misread as defiance or disinterest
• Core principles of trauma-informed practice across settings

Why this module matters: Accurately assessing risk level, rather than either over-reacting or under-reacting, is essential for appropriate and proportionate response.

• Structured risk assessment approaches for common risk factors
• Distinguishing risk levels that require different response intensities
• Documenting and escalating concerns appropriately

Why this module matters: Young people who have learned that adults are unreliable require deliberate, patient relationship-building, alongside genuine strengthening of protective factors.

• Building trust with young people who have experienced relational betrayal
• Strengthening protective factors alongside addressing risk directly
• Balancing appropriate boundaries with genuine warmth

Why this module matters: Knowing the limits of your role and protecting your own wellbeing are both essential for sustainable, effective practice in this demanding field.

• Building clear referral pathways for concerns beyond your scope
• Recognising practitioner burnout and vicarious trauma early
• Personal sustainability plan for long-term work in this field

Does this course qualify me to provide clinical mental health support?

No. This course builds trauma-informed practice skills for youth workers and practitioners, not clinical mental health qualifications, and includes clear guidance on when to refer to clinical specialists.

Does the course address practitioner self-care and burnout specifically?

Yes. A dedicated module addresses recognising burnout and vicarious trauma and building sustainable practices for long-term work in this emotionally demanding field.

Ready to Support At-Risk Youth With Confidence and Sustainability?

Build trauma-informed skills to work effectively with vulnerable young people while protecting your own wellbeing.