Hosted on April 15th, 2026, the training was delivered by Claire Hopkins, Training Officer, Switchboard
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 introduced the foundational principles of Motivational Interviewing and demonstrated how it can be used in building trust, supporting youth-driven goal exploration, and strengthening motivation for long-term self-sufficiency. Participants learned practical, strengths-based strategies to guide client-centered conversations that align with URMs’ goals.
*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.
What I Will Learn
After watching this webinar recording, you will be able to:
- Describe the guiding spirit and principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how they can support client-centered conversations with Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (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
Who Will Benefit?
- URM service providers, including case managers and independent living staff
- URM foster parents and volunteers
- Newcomer service providers supporting young adults
