An Approach to Life Skills Group Work With Youth in Transition to Independent Living: Theoretical, Practice, and Operational Considerations

Abstract

Group work is fundamental to working with youth learning about independent living and in making the tough and challenging transition to independence. The authors, seasoned and experienced group workers and researchers with youth leaving the child welfare system, will present a conceptual framework and set of practices for helping youth gain those life skills essential to effective transition and independence. The article addresses key concepts such as life skills, the nature of transition, and independence, its requirements and its support. The article also examines theoretical perspectives that support the acquisition of life skills including social learning and self-efficacy and modes of learning (e.g., visual, dialogic, problem solving, experiential, and didactic).

Keywords:

• group work
• youth in transition
• independent living