Episode 18
From punishment to partnership: Transforming how we support kids

In this episode of Exception Seekers, Colleen talks with Kim Hopkins, Executive Director at Lives in the Balance, about the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model developed by Dr. Ross Greene. Kim explains how CPS offers a compassionate, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming approach to supporting children who struggle to meet expectations—especially in schools and homes.

Kim highlights the importance of collaboration instead of control, emphasizing that traditional punitive or reward-based methods often increase stress and disconnection. In contrast, if we can focus on understanding a child’s perspective, identifying unmet needs, and working together to develop mutually satisfactory solutions, we will see more success. The conversation touches on why kids “do well if they can,” and how language and mindset shape outcomes for both adults and children.

Kim also shares a deeply personal story about how witnessing and experiencing the harm of restraint-based practices motivated her to advocate for safer, more humane, and effective approaches. She discusses the ongoing global expansion of CPS, new initiatives such as a parent platform, and Dr. Greene’s forthcoming book The Kids Who Are Not Okay, which focuses on transforming educational systems to better support vulnerable students.

Important Messages

“Kids do well if they can:” When children struggle, it’s not due to a lack of will but a lack of skill. The goal is to identify what’s getting in their way, not to punish them.

Trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming: CPS respects that people think differently and may access skills differently. It’s not about “fixing” a child, it’s about supporting their functioning and happiness.

Schools need alternatives: Teachers often rely on outdated training; small introductions to CPS concepts (like “find your sympathetic ear”) can open minds to new approaches.

Resources mentioned

Lives in the Balance

Collaborative & Proactive Solutions

Kim Hopkins (LICSW)

Kim Hopkins is an independently licensed clinical social worker who has specialized in working with kids who exhibit challenging behaviour for more than 25 years.  She has managed the clinical departments of two organizations serving youth and families in residential facilities, foster homes, therapeutic day schools, and homeless shelters.  She has been a Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) Trainer since 2007 helping schools, residential programs, hospitals, and parents to successfully implement the CPS Model.  Kim is also the Director of Learning Resources & Support for Dr. Ross Greene’s non-profit, Lives in the Balance.