This is a recording of a virtual Teach-In with Dr. Shawn Ginwright, one of America’s leading innovators, provocateurs, and thought leaders on African American youth, youth activism, and youth development, was a collaboration between YouthREX and the York Research Chair in Youth and Contexts of Inequity. Dr. Ginwright has led the development of the Healing-Centered Engagement model, a strength-based approach that promotes a collective view of healing – an ongoing process that must also focus on restoring and sustaining the practitioners who work with and support youth.

The Future of Healing: Shifting From Trauma Informed Care to Healing Centered Engagement | by Shawn Ginwright | Mediu

Lost at School

Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint

Tools and Resources

EF Tasks: Can We Figure Out a Different Way?

Ever notice your child struggles with starting or staying organized, even though they’re bright and creative? That's often due to something called executive function... the brain’s planning and self-control toolkit. Think of it like the behind-the-scenes manager, helping them keep track of steps, shift focus, resist distractions, and follow through on tasks. Instead of focusing on what's hard, what if we reframed the question to how we can lean into what they are good at? That’s the idea behind REEL’s “Can We Figure Out a Different Way?” worksheet.

Declarative Language Cheat Sheet

Declarative language helps children feel safe, respected, and in control. By using statements instead of commands, we reduce power struggles, support autonomy, and create space for problem-solving—especially important for children who are neurodivergent or have experienced trauma.

"Heavy Work" for Regulation

Heavy work activities give children calming input by engaging their muscles and joints. These movement-based tasks help with focus, regulation, and body awareness.