As a career counselor working with clients in the criminal justice system, you may face unique challenges and opportunities to build strong relationships. Whether you are helping them find employment, education, or other resources, you need to establish trust, rapport, and respect with them. Here are some tips on how to do that effectively and ethically.
The first step to building a strong relationship with your clients is to understand their needs, goals, and challenges. Each client may have a different background, situation, and motivation for seeking your services. Some may be on probation or parole, some may have substance abuse or mental health issues, some may face discrimination or stigma, and some may have limited skills or education. You need to assess their strengths, interests, and barriers, and tailor your approach accordingly. You also need to respect their autonomy and choices, and avoid imposing your own values or expectations on them.
Conducting a needs assessment is important to determining barriers that your clients may be experiencing. After identifying the needs, set S.M.A.R.T. goals that provide pathways to small wins but will lead to the client reaching their own success (long-term goal). Short-term goals could be acquiring essential identification needed for securing housing and employment. It could also entail earning a credential that leads to gainful employment and establishing a track to earn stackable credentials. The ultimate goal is to identify your clients’ needs and set them up to achieve small wins so they may reach their fullest potential.
The second step to building a strong relationship with your clients is to communicate clearly and consistently. You need to use simple, respectful, and positive language, and avoid jargon or slang. You need to explain your role, your services, and your expectations, and make sure your clients understand them. You also need to listen actively, empathize, and validate their feelings and experiences. You need to follow up regularly, provide feedback, and celebrate their achievements. You also need to be honest, transparent, and accountable, and admit your mistakes or limitations if any.
The third step to building a strong relationship with your clients is to collaborate and empower them. You need to involve them in the decision-making process, and respect their preferences and opinions. You need to help them identify their options, resources, and opportunities, and support them in pursuing their goals. You also need to encourage them to take responsibility, action, and initiative, and help them develop their skills and confidence. You also need to recognize their potential, and challenge them to grow and learn.
The fourth step to building a strong relationship with your clients is to respect boundaries and ethics. You need to maintain a professional and appropriate relationship with your clients, and avoid any conflicts of interest, dual relationships, or personal involvement. You also need to protect their privacy and confidentiality, and follow the relevant laws and policies. You also need to uphold the standards and principles of your profession, and seek supervision or consultation if needed. You also need to be aware of your own biases, values, and assumptions, and avoid imposing them on your clients.
The fifth step to building a strong relationship with your clients is to adapt and learn. You need to be flexible and responsive to your clients' changing needs, goals, and circumstances. You also need to be open and curious about their culture, background, and perspective, and avoid stereotypes or judgments. You also need to seek feedback from your clients, and evaluate your own performance and outcomes. You also need to update your knowledge and skills, and seek professional development opportunities.
The sixth step to building a strong relationship with your clients is to refer and network. You need to recognize when your clients need additional or specialized services, and refer them to the appropriate resources or agencies. You also need to collaborate and coordinate with other professionals or organizations that are involved in your clients' care or support. You also need to build and maintain a network of contacts and partners that can help you and your clients achieve your goals. You also need to advocate and educate others about the needs and challenges of your clients, and promote social justice and inclusion.
Another great perspective to add is that clients within the criminal justice system who are re- entering society need life coaching services as a part of continued care. Providing a transitioning client with the resources is one part of the battle. Helping them with life skills, responsibilities, consistency, and motivation are huge factors of them accepting and applying the help which is given to them by providers. Life coaching is an additional tool that mentors and community stakeholders should consider to provide this population with the assistance needed to conquer trauma and induced stress from socio-economic factors involved with their re-entry to the community.