A Transforming Model

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.

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What You'll Learn

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:

  • Connect with the young person in conflict to build a sense of safety and trust.

  • Explore key life events to identify private logic and adaptive or reactive coping styles.

  • Evaluate how family, school, and peer relationships contribute to strain or support.

  • Identify strengths and needs related to Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity.

  • Formulate a restorative plan to build supports in the ecology and strengths in the person.

Course Options

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. We offer these additional 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]

  • Online Course

    Includes Printed Materials

    Our e-learning course includes 7 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].

  • Graduate Credit

    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]

Your Instructor

Larry Brendtro

Senior Trainer

Larry Brendtro, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and Professor Emeritus at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He holds a doctorate from the University of Michigan and is a leader in the worldwide reclaiming youth movement. For fourteen years, he was president of the Starr Commonwealth Schools in Michigan and Ohio. He taught in the area of children’s behavior disorders at the University of Illinois, The Ohio State University, and Augustana. Dr. Brendtro served as a member of the U.S. Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention during the administrations of Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. He has authored over 200 professional publications including 15 books on strength-based strategies with children, youth, and families. His wife Janna is research editor for his various publications and they have trained youth professionals in 20 nations.

Course curriculum

    1. The Standard for Evidence

    2. Chapter 1 Quiz

    1. The Adaptive Brain

    2. Chapter 2 Quiz

    1. Strengths and Needs

    2. Chapter 3 Quiz

    1. Bonds of Trust

    2. Chapter 4 Quiz

    1. Conquering Challenge

    2. Chapter 5 Quiz

    1. Lives with Purpose

    2. Chapter 6 Quiz

About this course

  • $210.00
  • 14 lessons
  • 3.5 hours of video content

Reframe problems as opportunities for learning

Enroll today