This is linked to Cognitive Behavioural work, and refers to Implicit Core Beliefs about oneself; particularly a person's (or group's) belief in their ability to cope and achieve - by their own ability, strength and resourcefulness.

FamilyWork is often directed at increasing the Self-efficacy of the Family as a whole, which may "lose confidence" that it could ever manage the behaviours displayed by a young person without external/professional support.

Motivational Work stresses the need to "Support Self-efficacy" - this involves taking the client's Autonomy very seriously - allowing THEM to be the author of any change in their lives, not the KeyWorker or therapist. Sometimes this will mean accepting that a person is choosing not to stop a damaging behaviour at this time.

In adulthood this is relatively simple - the adult is generally considered responsible for his or her choices. However, with young people, and in particular where there are Child Protection concerns, supporting self-efficacy is sometimes more an ideal that shapes practice than the sole reality at play.