Planning Restorative Outcomes

Assessment of Strengths and Needs

Planning Restorative Outcomes [PRO Assessment] reframes problems as opportunities for learning with
children and youth at risk. This strength-based approach moves beyond the narrow focus on deficit and
disorder of traditional diagnostic methods. The young person is seen as the key expert on his or her life
and is enlisted to develop positive plans for healing and growth. PRO Assessment can be used for brief
crisis resolution, for developing social and emotional learning and treatment plans, and for reclaiming
interventions with youth who are experiencing serious conflict or trauma. This model is transforming
assessment in education, treatment, juvenile justice, and child and youth care.

Abraham Maslow observed that most “symptoms” of problems stem from unmet psychological
needs—and when needs are met, people thrive. PRO Assessment focuses on Circle of Courage needs
for Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. These are validated by research on
developmental relationships, neuroscience, trauma, and resilience. Participants develop these key
competencies:

1. Connect with the young person in conflict to build a sense of safety and trust.
2. Explore key life events to identify private logic and adaptive or reactive coping styles.
3. Evaluate how family, school, and peer relationships contribute to strain or support.
4. Identify strengths and needs related to Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity.
5. Formulate a restorative plan to build supports in the ecology and strengths in the person.

PRO Assessment courses are offered on-site as well as online. Participants receive a PRO Assessment
manual and a text covering the evidence-base of this model. Those who seek formal certification may
demonstrate competency by completing a self-test and submitting an actual assessment of a child or
youth at risk. These are the options for training in PRO Assessment:

On-site course. Organizations may contract to have this course delivered by a certified trainer to groups
of up to 30 individuals; for information contact Wendy Beukelman—[email protected]

On-line course. An e-learning course is available for $150 USD and includes 8 modules presented in about 4 hours of video along with a self-test. Registrants will be sent the PRO Assessment manual and a text when they sign up. Participants seeking a certificate should complete a PRO Assessment on a student or client and submit to the instructor at [email protected].

Optional Graduate credit of three semester hours is also available through Augustana University for an
additional fee of $300 USD. As described in the course syllabus found here, this also requires submission of a
completed assessment as well as written assignments and a self-test. For information, contact
[email protected]