Developed for the California Department of Juvenile Justice
“We have seen many positive changes since implementing the Forward Focused Model in our system in 2012. The goal of any program should be building each client’s ability to have a healthy and successful life not just avoid reoffending. This is what the Forward Focused Model is doing for our youth.”
– Heather C. Bowlds, PsyD, Associate Director of Mental Health, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice
The Forward-Focused Model (FFM) is a comprehensive, empirically-designed treatment program for court-involved adolescents. Developed by Dr. Nancy Calleja for the California Department of Juvenile Justice and implemented by the state of California in its juvenile facilities, the FFM is:
- Developmentally informed, with specific attention given to the role of adolescent brain development in both conceptualizing offending behaviors as well as in the delivery of treatment.
- Strengths-based and future or forward-focused, emphasizing an exploration of the past to effectively address any trauma and or victimization issues, while de-emphasizing problems, magnifying strengths, and promoting the acquisition of new intra- and inter-personal skills.
- A comprehensive framework for facilitating a team approach to working collaboratively throughout the treatment process to implement the wide-ranging and diverse interventions.
- An “out of the box” solution. You can implement the program by following the comprehensive guidelines in the Facilitator’s Manual, without expensive outside training.
Three books form a solid foundation for implementing the FFM:
- The Forward-Focused Model introduces the theoretical concepts and empirical grounding of the model.
- The FFM Facilitator’s Manual is a comprehensive guidebook for all team members involved in implementing the program. It is drilled for insertion in a three-ring binder (not included). (Buy five, get the sixth free — call for details.)
- The FFM Youth Workbook contains components of the treatment stage work that are designed to be completed independently by each youth and then reviewed with a facilitator. Bulk discounts of up to 30% are available.
Together, the three books provide a complete and comprehensive treatment program that also includes quality assurance monitoring tools and an outcomes evaluation.
Quick Guide for Implementing the FFM Individually
Dr. Calleja has put together a quick guide for implementing the FFM with individual youth. The Individual Treatment Delivery Guide can be found here.
About the author
Nancy G. Calleja is Chair of the Department of Counseling & Addiction Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy. She is also Clinical Director of Spectrum Human Services, Inc. and Affiliated Companies and has worked in juvenile justice for more than 25 years. Dr. Calleja has designed and implemented numerous treatment programs for adolescents and young adults, and has worked with both private agencies and public systems.
Nancy maintains a website with more information about the Forward-Focused Model.