Motivational Interviewing: A Primer for Child Welfare Professionals

Motivational interviewing is a method professionals can utilize to support families who may be ambivalent or hesitant about support from the child welfare system. This factsheet provides child welfare professionals with an overview of motivational interviewing, describes circumstances when it could be applied, and highlights the basics of the method. It also provides links to additional resources.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Overview

When to use motivational interviewing

Basics of motivational interviewing

Working toward change

Training

Conclusion

References

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

• Parental Substance Use and the Child Welfare System
  (Bulletins for Professionals)
• Family Engagement: Partnering With Families to Improve Child Welfare Outcomes
  (Bulletins for Professionals)
• Forensic Interviewing: A Primer for Child Welfare Professionals
  (Factsheets)