Document Actions
Smart Choices Social Programs
Adolescent Social Skills Program
SMART CHOICES SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM
Adolescent and Adults
Our Adolescent SMART CHOICES Program is an internationally recognized program that has been helping individuals who struggle with social skills since 1994. The Program takes a student-centered approach to improving the lives of struggling teens.
In late 1988, the Adult SMART CHOICES Program was established and implemented to assist offenders with learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder. Since then the program has expanded to include any adult dealing with social skills and employment, substance abuse, homelessness, and relationship difficulties.
The Program is a strength-based approach to helping participants learn skills to overcome challenges that lead to troubling behaviors. Through this program people begin to feel successful, which is the key to motivation. Motivation produces the energy to achieve the dedication necessary to affect lasting change
We use an experiential instructional format to teach communication, anger management, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, self-identity skills and impulsive issues. Participants learn behaviors, develop attitudes, and foster beliefs that will enhance their opportunity to learn new innovative solutions to difficulties that have kept them from being successful in life.
Family, friends and teachers have experienced the benefits of improved relationships with graduates of the program
Graduates of the adolescent program experience an 85% increase in positive social behavior. Additionally, 87% of adolescents who were involved with the juvenile justice system have not re-offended. Most importantly, parents of the CHOICES graduates report positive changes in their youth.
Rick Lavoie, Author of the book, "It's So Much Work to Be Your Friend" & the video, "How Difficult Can This Be? - The F.A.T. City Workshop" said, "The Choices Program is extraordinarily impressive and covered many of the social competencies that are overlooked in other programs."
SMART CHOICES Program is based on a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach, with the idea being to change a behavior you must change their thinking. Participants are educated on how their thoughts have an impact on feelings and behavior. The goal is to unlearn their unwanted reactions and to learn a new way of reacting to people, situations, or events. "If things are not working for you, change the way you think about it."
Participants in the Adolescent Smart Choices Program receive 21 hours and Adults receive 28 hours of interactive small group instruction that addresses multiple learning styles and promotes real-life application of the following skills:
People Skills
Learn how to:
• Identify, Understand & Communicate Feelings
• Cope with Change
• Deal with Peer Pressure
• Listen Actively
• Build Healthy Relationships
Problem Solving
Learn to:
• Identify Problems
• Seek Solutions
• Set Goals
• Develop Critical Thinking Skills
• Set Boundaries
Conflict Resolution
Learn how to:
• Manage Anger
• Cope with Stress & Frustration
• Negotiate
• Handle Difficult Conversations
Self—Identity
Build and develop:
• Self-Esteem
• Responsibility
• Belief System
• Self Knowledge
• Learning Styles
• Personal Strengths
