Motivational Interviewing for Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Service Providers
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs)* often face distinct challenges as they strive for greater independence while coping with past trauma, adjusting to a new culture, and managing competing demands in their daily lives. These challenges can make it difficult for youth to maintain motivation or achieve lasting success. Instead of offering advice, client-centered case management favors techniques like Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in achieving their goals.
This webinar will introduce the foundational principles of Motivational Interviewing and demonstrate how it can be used in building trust, supporting youth-driven goal exploration, and strengthening motivation for long-term self-sufficiency. Participants will learn practical, strengths-based strategies to guide client-centered conversations.
*URM is a child or youth under 18 who arrives in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian, meets a qualifying status or classification, as well as other eligibility criteria, and is approved to enter the URM Program.
After participating in this event, learners will be able to:
🌱 Describe the guiding spirit and principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how they can support client-centered conversations with URMs
🤝 Recognize how MI complements trauma-informed, strengths-based service delivery in URM programs
🎯 Apply MI principles to support URMs in overcoming ambivalence and aligning choices with their independent living goals
About this webinar
Cost: Free
Length: 75 Minutes
Level: Introductory
This event offers 1.5 ASWB ACE-approved CEs.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
1:00 – 2:45 PM ET
10:30 – 11:45 AM PT
Please use a time zone converter to determine your local time for this webinar.
Who Will Benefit?
- URM service providers, including case managers and independent living staff
- URM foster parents and volunteers
- Newcomer service providers supporting young adults
Recommended Prerequisites
While not a requirement, Switchboard encourages participants to review the following Switchboard resources in advance of this event:
Motivational Interviewing for Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Service Providers
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs)* often face distinct challenges as they strive for greater independence while coping with past trauma, adjusting to a new culture, and managing competing demands in their daily lives. These challenges can make it difficult for youth to maintain motivation or achieve lasting success. Instead of offering advice, client-centered case management favors techniques like Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in achieving their goals.
This webinar will introduce the foundational principles of Motivational Interviewing and demonstrate how it can be used in building trust, supporting youth-driven goal exploration, and strengthening motivation for long-term self-sufficiency. Participants will learn practical, strengths-based strategies to guide client-centered conversations.
*URM is a child or youth under 18 who arrives in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian, meets a qualifying status or classification, as well as other eligibility criteria, and is approved to enter the URM Program.
After participating in this event, learners will be able to:
🌱 Describe the guiding spirit and principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how they can support client-centered conversations with URMs
🤝 Recognize how MI complements trauma-informed, strengths-based service delivery in URM programs
🎯 Apply MI principles to support URMs in overcoming ambivalence and aligning choices with their independent living goals
About this webinar
Cost: Free
Length: 75 Minutes
Level: Introductory
This event offers 1.5 ASWB ACE-approved CEs.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
1:00 – 2:45 PM ET
10:30 – 11:45 AM PT
Please use a time zone converter to determine your local time for this webinar.
Who Will Benefit?
- URM service providers, including case managers and independent living staff
- URM foster parents and volunteers
- Newcomer service providers supporting young adults
Recommended Prerequisites
While not a requirement, Switchboard encourages participants to review the following Switchboard resources in advance of this event: