Gender Matters: Reducing Risk Factors and Promoting

Healthy Development for YouthUtilizing Evidence-Based

Gender Responsive Programs

Kiku Johnson, Associate Director

Workshop Experience

• Who We Are and Who We Serve• Our Models• Theoretical Framework for Working with Girls and Boys• Research and Evidence-Based Status • Circle Experience • Curricula and Training • Questions and Answers

About Us

Girls Circle and Council for Boys and Young Men are structured support groups for

youth 9-18 years.

We promote resiliency and healthy relationships in children, youth, adults, and

communities with research and evidence-based, gender-responsive circle program

models and best practices. We provide training, curricula, and consultation to all

sectors of youth serving organizations in the United States and internationally.

Serving All Sectors Nationwide and Canada Since 1997

Child WelfareDetentionDiversion ProgramsDrug CourtsEconomic LiteracyEducationGang Prevention

ProbationResidential TreatmentSecure FacilitiesSubstance Abuse PreventionGroup HomesMental HealthPregnancy Prevention

www.onecirclefoundation.org

What is Girls Circle?

The Girls Circle is a model of structured support groups for girls from 9-18 that integrates relational

theory, resiliency practices, and skills training to increase positive

connection, strengths, and competence in girls.

The Council is a strengths-based group approach to promote

boys’ and young men’s safe and healthy passage through pre-

teen and adolescent years.

Gen

der I

dent

ity

Theoretical Foundation

One Circle Foundation programs offer healthy, safe ways to develop – as individuals and a community

RELATIONSHIPS

Developing Male/Female Brain

ResiliencyTrauma

Responsive

Rites of Passage

Gender Transformative

Foundational Practices of Models

Cognitive-Behavioral

Cultural Responsive Practices

Experiential

Gender-Responsive & Brain Based

Gender Transformative

Motivational Interviewing & Stages of Change

Multiple Intelligences/Learning Styles

Relational Cultural Theory - Healthy relationships at the core

Relevant topics that interest youth

Restorative

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Strengths-Based - Assets Development, Resiliency

Trauma Informed

Why Does It Work?

Easy, comfortable to engage and connect

Responsive to diverse perspectives, cultures, people

Shifts paradigms (of power, masculinity, status, expertise)

Honors, Heals and Transforms

Girls Circle Evidence-Based Status

2015 Study OutcomesThe Girls Circle model has been proven to reduce recidivism for girls!It is the first gender-specific program in the nation to demonstrate effectiveness in reducing delinquency in a randomized design study.

OJJDP funded study Conducted in Cook County, IL with girls on probation Additional outcomes in the Girls Circle treatment group found

significant increases in:• Use of Condoms• Educational Aspirations• Educational Expectations

Research conducted by Development Research Group, Bethesda, MD. Full Report at: www.onecirclefoundation.org

The Council for Boys and Young Men ResearchThe Center for Disease Control (CDC) has funded a 4-year study on

The Council aimed at preventing violence (2016-2020)

Cornell University is conducting the study in partnership with the New York State Department of Public Health who received the CDC grant.

Results from two 2012 studies conducted by Portland State University Significant increases in boys’ school engagement in middle schools, community

programs, and probation

Significantly lower rates of unhealthy beliefs about being male. More sessions = greater resistance to unhealthy masculinity beliefs

High Satisfaction rates amongst boys

The Girls Circle & The Council Models

1. Opening Ritual

2. Theme Introduction

3. Check-in (One at a time)4. Activity (Verbal & Creative)

5. Sharing of Activity

6. Closing Ritual

1. Opening Ritual

2. Theme Introduction

3. Warm-Up

4. Check-in (One at a time)

5. Activity (Verbal & Experiential)

6. Reflection

7. Closing Ritual

Circle Experience

Circle Experience Group Agreement

What we ask of youth, we ask of you, to strive for: Respect (define) Honesty and authenticity Non-judgment Support each other Take some risks

We Will Come to YOU!

Join us for upcoming two-day trainings: www.onecirclefoundation.org• CEU’s provided, manual included

Host a Training: • Your agency can “host” a training in your area• All registrations handled through One Circle Foundation

Curricula

Girls Circle Complete Set The Council for Boys and Young Men

Complete Set

3 Women’s Circle Curricula….. & More!

THANK YOU!

734 A StreetSan Rafael, CA 94901

415-419-5119www.OneCircleFoundation.org

https://www.facebook.com/OneCircleFoundation