The Good Lives Model for Adolescents Who Sexually Harm
Edited by Bobbie Print
Foreword by Tony Ward

The Good Lives Model (GLM) is a strengths-based rehabilitation framework originally developed for adults who have sexually offended. The GLM differs from other approaches in that it does not focus solely on defining avoidance goals and managing risk. Instead, it focuses on identifying and building the individual’s strengths. The model incorporates modules that help clients unearth the skills that will help them reintegrate into their community and create a fulfilling life.

The director and staff of the G-map Treatment Centre in Manchester, UK, carefully examined each component of the GLM and devised modifications to make it more effective with young people. This book describes what the team found when they implemented the GLM into their work with adolescents who sexually harm. 

Small Changes in the Terminology

To enhance accessibility and relevance for younger clients, several key terms in the GLM approach were revised:

• "Primary goods" are referred to as "primary needs" or simply "needs.
• “Secondary goods" became "means"
• The "Old Me/New Me" concept was changed to "Old Life/New Life".
• "Internal conditions/capabilities" became "The strengths and skills I have to help me meet my needs"
• “External conditions/capabilities" were reframed as "How others can help me meet my needs"

Additional changes in terminology are included in this book. The goal of these changes was to make the language more accessible and meaningful to both professionals and young people.

Larger, Innovative Changes and New Techniques

The adaptations of the GLM went far beyond simple changes in terminology. The team also developed innovative methodologies to engage adolescents in the treatment process. This publication provides an in-depth exploration of these newly developed methods with practical examples demonstrating their application in therapeutic settings.

To better assess young people’s needs and goals, the G-map Treatment Centre team created several new tools and techniques, including:

• Visual aids such as photos, drawings, timelines, and storyboarding were incorporated.
• Revised list of primary goods/needs now includes “Having fun and achieving,” “Being my own person,” and “Having a purpose and making a difference,” among several others. 
• Semi-structured assessment tools and other methods tailored for young people.
• An integrated approach, using the GLM assessment methods and other models and tools relevant to adolescents, such as attachment theory and trauma-informed approaches.

The book describes in detail the adaptations G-map made to the GLM model and includes a description of the findings from an extensive pilot program of the revised model, during which feedback from focus groups and individual meetings with adolescents and professionals was continuously gathered to improve the model.

"This is a terrific book that documents G-map's journey with the GLM and demonstrates clearly their clinically creative and skillful translation of it into extremely useful therapeutic guidelines for work with adolescents who display harmful sexual behaviors." - Tony Ward, PhD

For professionals working with adolescents who have engaged in sexually harmful behavior, this professional book offers invaluable insight into adapting the GLM for use with their clients. These resources can enhance therapeutic efficacy, promote positive youth development, and contribute to more successful rehabilitation outcomes. By incorporating these innovative approaches, practitioners can foster meaningful change and help young clients build fulfilling, prosocial lives.