Residential Staff as Treatment Partners: A Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Based Approach to Supporting Youth with Problematic Sexual Behavior

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Youth with problematic sexual behavior–especially those in residential settings–require consistent, relationship-based interventions that extend beyond therapy sessions. Residential staff are uniquely positioned to reinforce treatment goals through the countless interactions they have with youth each day, yet many receive limited preparation for this critical role. Recognizing this need, Stevens Treatment Programs developed a comprehensive training program and practice model that prepares non-clinical residential professionals to become skilled partners in the clinical treatment process.

During this workshop, Stevens team members will present the philosophy, framework, and implementation of this training model, including practical strategies for creating a common treatment language across residential and clinical teams. Participants will learn how the model helps staff consistently reinforce individualized treatment goals, increase youth engagement and resilience, reduce the need for restrictive interventions, and transform routine interactions into meaningful therapeutic opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for developing residential staff as effective treatment partners and strengthening collaboration between direct care professionals and clinicians to improve outcomes for youth.

Presenters: Amy Hogarth, MFT; Micah Bannister, LMHC; and Ivy Medeiros, LICSW
Presentation Date: Sept. 15, 2026

Learning objectives:

• Explain how trauma, attachment, regulation, development, and strengths influence youth behavior and inform relationship-based care.
• Apply practical, evidence-informed strategies—including Motivational Interviewing, ARC principles, co-regulation, and developmentally appropriate interventions—to reinforce treatment goals during everyday interactions.
• Demonstrate how residential staff can serve as effective treatment partners by using consistent language, intentional interventions, and collaboration with clinical teams to promote youth engagement, accountability, resilience, and positive outcomes.