ABSTRACT
Relationship can be transformational for high-risk youth, and given the poverty of relationships that is typically their experience, people must at least offer this population of youth the opportunity to risk making connections. In as much as helpers hold a leadership position in the relationship, a collaborative partnership begins with their finding ways to cooperate with clients and make their work relevant to them, rather than simply expecting them to cooperate with us. In fitting with the harm reduction approach, and practicing in a strength-based way, being aware of the impact we have on our youth can make our work and our role less oppressive and foster opportunities to engage youth in a meaningful way. Thankfully there has been a shift and organizations are starting to appreciate the need to support relationship-based practices.
