Presentation Abstract

Experiential Training to Increase Skills and Knowledge Around Youth and HIV Issues. R Henderson, S Castillo, J Colgrove, A Allgood, J Shalwitz. Health Initiatives for Youth, San Francisco, CA.

Issue: The implications of HIV antibody testing are different for youth ages 12-24 than for adults because of the unique developmental and psychological characteristics of adolescence. Consequently, providers who work with youth need special skills in the areas of risk assessment and client-centered counseling to effectively intervene with HIV positive and at-risk youth who might benefit from learning their HIV status.

Project: Providers in the fields of youth and HIV services received a 24-hour, three-day training, "Youth and the HIV Antibody Test: A Counseling Training." The curriculum is skills-based, and uses experiential techniques, including role plays, small group discussion, brainstorming, values clarification, and other interactive exercises.

Results: In 1995, 93 providers representing 36 agencies in 5 San Francisco Bay Area counties received the training. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the training and increased levels of comfort and skills in providing HIV counseling and information to youth.

Lessons Learned: Experiential training is an effective way to increase skills and comfort levels in providing young people with client-centered counseling on HIV issues. Even veteran youth and HIV service providers benefit from practice and reinforcement of counseling skills.

Contact: Ron Henderson, 1242 Market St., third floor, San Francisco CA 94102 USA. Telephone: 415.487.5777, Fax: 415.487.5771, e-mail: hn5409@handsnet.org.

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