Stephen de Groot BA, BSW, MSW
Biography
Stephen de Groot maintains two vital and purposeful intentions; to
enhance the experience and lives of all children, youth, families and
communities who are supported by human service systems and; to
enhance the meaning, value and quality of the efforts made by the
people responsible for serving and supporting those children, youth,
families and communities.
Steve’s approach to helping has been informed by a multitude of
philosophical, theoretical and technical orientations and developed
out of his successful practice experiences and life stories from
thousands of children, youth and families and; thousands of
frontline workers, supervisors, managers and executives.
For the last 20 years Steve has worked with more than 200 organisations in a variety of fields and helping sectors.
He has provided support, education and training to caring and helping professionals who live and work with
children in child welfare, child and youth care, youth homelessness, justice, education and health. Steve has
instructed in both Bachelor and Masters Programs at the University of Manitoba for more than 7 years. He has
occupied and continues to operate in a myriad of roles such as mentor, consultant, trainer, supervisor, author,
facilitator, strategic planner and international speaker.
Many of Steve’s training participants, which have reached more than, 20,000 people, testify that his training is
one of, if not the greatest training experience of their career. His knowledge and experience working with
children, youth and families is evident within and throughout the myriad of case examples and role plays he uses.
Steve’s skill and talent as a practitioner are apparent in his stories and capacity to answer and respond in practical
demonstration to “almost any question” posed. Steve’s trainings are not only thought provoking and insightful,
but exceptionally, dynamic, fun and interactive. Most people state that, among Steve’s talents is his ability to
validate and affirm what people are doing well and, to also point out where and how they can develop further.
Steve is the author of the Relationship Based Strengths Approach (RBSA) (2003, 2013) to helping and founder of
the Getting to Better™ initiative. Steve specialises in the development and implementation of relational and
strengths based interventions at all levels of social service systems from planning to direct service delivery and
front-line practice. Steve is the author of Responsive Leadership in Social Services (2015) A SAGE publication.
As a trainer and collaborator Steve has made it his mission not only inspire people, but to empower and equip
them with the knowledge and tools so that they may be able to inspire themselves; by achieving preferred
outcomes for themselves and for the children, youth families and communities they serve.
Stephen is easily the best trainer I have worked with, for many years. His passion for the RBSA approach is undeniable. He is a man with real enthusiasm for
the work we do and the people we serve. Colin Stokes, Health Projects Coordinator, y-Foundations, NSW Australia.
An amazing learning experience! Demonstrating a wealth of knowledge and skills, there was not a tough realistic scenario that Stephen couldn’t take on. I
was excited to get back to work and use the practical tools with my staff! This approach is so simple and it works so well! Ian Bennett, Manager of Residential Units, Syl Apps Youth Centre, Oakville Ontario Canada
I strongly believe that Steve’s training has the capacity to fundamentally change your professional practice. Observing many of his trainings, I have always
left inspired with a variety of practical tools and strategies; excited and energized to get back work. Barbara Howe, Supervisor, Child and Family Services of
Western Manitoba, Brandon Manitoba, Canada
Simple
Practical
Transformative