Kids lack skill not will
The Collaborative Problem Solving® approach is a trauma-informed, strength-based, neurobiologically- grounded model that starts with the philosophy that all kids want to do well and will do well if they can—that kids lack skill, not will.
Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) approach by Think:Kids, is a program based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.
CPS® addresses challenging behavior while building skills for success. Additional resources can be found at Think:Kids.
Challenging behavior is linked with deficits in areas of neurocognitive skill such as social cognition, attention and working memory, emotion and self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, and executive functioning. To help students manage their behavior, interventions should focus less on rewards and consequences and more on building skills. CPS® helps adults shift their mindset from the view that kids do well if they want to and instead the view that kids do well if they can.
The CPS® approach is designed to support children and adolescents (as well as adults) at home, in schools, foster care and therapeutic/residential settings.
What does CPS look like?
These results have been reported for children who have completed The Collaborative Problem Solving® Program
Reported Results: Home-based Services

Significant reduction in parents’ stress

Significant improvement in children’s executive functioning skills

ADHD and ODD symptoms decreased significantly post-treatment

Significant improvement in parent-child interactions
%
of pediatricians noted much/very much improvement at 6 month follow up
%
average reduction in use of seclusions
%
of children exhibited improved behavior
%
fewer self-inflicted injuries
Reported Results: School-based Services
%
reduction in school office referrals
%
increase in student attendance
%
reduction in oppositional behaviors during school
%
of teachers reported less stress
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