Response Ability Pathways, or simply “RAP” is an innovative curriculum which offers “basic training” for all who deal with challenging children and youth. RAP provides essential strength-based strategies for all who deal with young persons in family, school, or community. Children and youth need supportive persons who respond to their NEEDS rather than react to their problems. RAP provides these response abilities which enable one to guide young person’s on pathways to responsibility.

RAP methods are grounded in research evidence on resilience, brain science, and positive psychology. This training offers practical methods providing positive behavioral supports and creating climates of respect in schools and youth programs.

RAP provides a powerful alternative to both punitive and permissive approaches. Young persons are enlisted as responsible agents in positive growth and change.

RAP deals with problems by focusing on strengths and solutions. Brief “teachable moments” instill positive behavior and values. Rather than enforcing obedience, RAP sets high expectations for youth to take responsibility and to show respect for themselves and others.

The RAP curriculum was developed by Dr. Larry Brendtro of Reclaiming Youth and Leslie du Toit, of the Child and Youth Care Agency for Development in South Africa. The curriculum was piloted in North America, South Africa and Australia.

The curriculum of RAP develops the innate strength and resilience of young people. The course focuses on three interventions: Connect, Clarify, and Restore. These are the normal “abilities” of the resilient human brain; we are endowed with the ability to connect to others for support, clarify challenging problems, and restore harmony. RAP content is intuitive, jargon free, and understandable. Strategies are safe, practical, and easily implemented. Goals target universal growth needs of children and youth. Values are universal across diverse cultures and societies.

RAP is useful for all who are concerned with youth, whether professionals or lay persons. This course is well received by educators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, youth workers, and staff in treatment and juvenile justice settings. Training also can include parents, foster parents, mentors, and mature youth who are peer helpers.

This two-day training leads to a RAP Certification. College course credit can also be arranged. RAP is highly experiential and provides practical skills for building courageous kids. Basic RAP principles are presented in creative formats and the course is enlivened via engaging videos and small group role plays. Participants develop abilities to disengage from adversarial encounters, connect with adult-wary youngsters, restore bonds of respect, and create climates where all young people can flourish.

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