ABSTRACT
A combination of biological, cognitive, social, and familial factors determines each youth's perception of reality and view of the world. In order to maximize their effectiveness, they had to wear many hats such as counselor, teacher, activist, mentor, surrogate father. They have received numerous accolades from national and local community and civic organizations. The art of effective confrontation is a prerequisite for succeeding with challenging youth. They expect it and want it from those professionals they feel close. Confrontation is a way of reaffirming the realness of the relationship. Timing is one of the most important considerations when deciding to confront challenging youth. Their efforts are chronicled in the book Street Soldiers. Jerold Kreisman and Hal Straus recommended using a three-step, structured approach called SET (Support, Empathy, Truth) model in communicating with clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Kreisman and Straus observed that the contemporary western society tends to promote the kind of dualistic ideology demonstrated by the conference participant.
