Blog

Articles exploring strengths-based approaches to supporting children and young people to participate, belong, and flourish.

An adult and young person walking together outdoors in a reflective, supportive moment

14 July 2025

Five Questions That Can Shift the Conversation When a Young Person Is Struggling

By Dr Carol Schultz, PhD

When a young person is struggling, conversations can quickly focus on what is not working. Five questions drawn from the Schultz Human Flourishing Model can help families and professionals move from reacting to understanding.

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A young person engaged in bicycle repair with a supportive mentor nearby

30 June 2025

A Journey from Disconnection to Participation: Looking Beyond the Behaviour

By Dr Carol Schultz, PhD

When a young person is withdrawing or refusing support, the people around them want answers quickly. But before we can expect engagement, we need to understand the social conditions shaping their life. A composite example shows how a shared understanding can create a more practical pathway.

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Professional collaborative team meeting among educators and support workers in a bright room

19 May 2025

For Organisations: Moving from Crisis Management to the Conditions for Flourishing

By Dr Carol Schultz, PhD

Organisations supporting children and young people often find themselves in a constant cycle of response. A shared, strengths-based framework can help teams move from managing incidents to creating the conditions for genuine participation and flourishing.

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Diverse group of young people enjoying bush walking together through Australian native forest

24 March 2025

Why Socialisation Matters More Than We Think

By Dr Carol Schultz, PhD

Socialisation is far more than making friends. It is the process through which young people learn to understand themselves, others, and the social world. When those conditions are disrupted, we see the effects — and small shifts can make a meaningful difference.

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Young people collaborating in a community garden, planting together in bright sunshine

10 February 2025

Your NDIS Plan Has Goals. But Does It Have the Full Picture?

By Dr Carol Schultz, PhD

An NDIS plan may identify important goals, but broad goals can be difficult to put into practice without understanding the social conditions around a young person. A strengths-based approach helps turn goals into meaningful pathways.

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A supportive adult and young person having an encouraging conversation outdoors in a park setting

18 November 2024

When "Trying Harder" Isn't Enough: Looking at the Conditions Around a Young Person

By Dr Carol Schultz, PhD

When a young person is struggling, the advice to try harder rarely addresses the full picture. Exploring the social conditions around a young person offers a more useful starting point for families and professionals.

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