CPS & Your Family

Home
How To: CPS & Your Family

Collaborative & Proactive Solutions & Your Family

A Black American father and daughter have a conversation over cups of hot cocoa.

What is Collaborative & Proactive Solutions?

Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) is a process created by Dr. Ross Greene. Families who use CPS believe challenging behavior happens because a child doesn't have the skills to do better. To solve problems, families work through three steps:

Empathy - Families learn about the child’s concern
Adult Concerns - Adults share how a behavior is impacting them and the child
Invitation & Problem-Solving - Adult and child work together to come up with a solution that is reasonable and mutually-agreeable

Reasons why some families choose CPS

CPS is collaborative. Both the adult and the child get their needs met and both have a say in the solution.
CPS empowers families to solve problems together. This can be important for families who have faced discrimination or marginalization.
CPS can be used wherever the child is. Parents, caregivers, educators and other adults can learn to use CPS at home, school and in the community.
CPS is effective for any age or developmental stage. While language is helpful, Dr. Greene outlines models for CPS with young children and people who do not speak.
CPS is an evidence-based practice with a growing body of research.

You can find CPS providers in our directory by selecting “Child Counseling” in the first column. You can also contact one of our Family Resource Specialists for help.

Reasons why some families choose other therapies

While many professionals use the CPS model, there are only a few certified CPS professionals in our area. Some families choose family therapists who use CPS principles instead.
CPS is a process and may not be effective for dangerous behavior. Families who need to stop dangerous behavior quickly sometimes work with behavior therapists.
CPS can be challenging when children have limited language. Some families prefer to work with speech therapists, behavior therapists, or participate in parent training to build skills before using CPS.
CPS does not specifically target negative thoughts or emotions. Families with children who are struggling with mental health concerns often choose to work with individual or family therapists.

You can find other professionals in our directory too – or ask a Family Resource Specialist for help.

To learn more:

Connecting for Kids (CFK) encourages families to learn as much as they can before choosing therapies. In addition to working with your child’s primary care provider, families should:

Ask adults who share a diagnosis with your child.

The CFK community includes many parents and caregivers with disabilities.

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.
Learn from other disabled adults using the Voices section in our Disability & Inclusion guide.

Ask other parents or caregivers who use CPS.

The CFK community includes many families who use CPS with their children.

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.

Ask a professional who uses CPS.

Before starting with any new professional, it’s a good idea to learn about their practice. These questions can help you to find a good fit for your family.

Explore resources.

CFK Podcast: Challenging Behavior Series
Lives in the Balance

Choosing your path:

It’s normal and natural to have strong feelings about the choices we make for our children. We want what’s best for them and we tend to agree with people who make similar decisions.

Our strong feelings can also mean that we struggle to listen to people who make choices that are different from our own. We encourage you to listen to different voices so you can learn more. And remember, no matter what you decide, your voice is an important part of the CFK community.

Back to Treatment Options List

Website supported by a grant from Parker.

Call, text or email:

Phone: 1-440-570-5908
Email: info@connectingforkids.org

Post Office Box:

30628 Detroit Rd. #252
Westlake, Ohio 44145