Communication Skills

CASA Training ManualChapter 7

Objectives

Understand effective communication

Observe children-establish trust and rapport

Identify different styles of dealing with conflict

Collaborative approach

Rules of confidentiality

Good Communication Requires:

Self-awareness Sensitivity Skills

Rapport and Trust with Children

Sincere interest in the child as person

Takes time and energy Involves actively

listening Needs regular

nurturing

Requires honesty in all communication

Is developed for the benefit of the child, not the adult

Conflict Management Styles

Directing Avoiding Accommodating Compromising

Keys to successful Collaboration

Develop a partnership Assess reasons for

collaborating Set goals-make a written

plan Learn and practice skills Celebrate

accomplishments

Confidentiality

Is clearly defined in court's order

Case information may only be disclosed to parties of the case