Researchers are encouraged by results of a pilot test of a one-of-a-kind program aimed at preventing HIV infection among runaway adolescents, chiefly by concentrating on troubled teenagers’ strengths, not weaknesses.

Strengths-Based Case Management was originally developed for adults with severe mental illness or drug abuse.

The study marks the first time it’s been used in an adolescent population—in this case, 21 subjects aged 13 to 15 years old from Forsyth County, North Carolina, who had run away but returned home to participate in the 15-month intervention. Case managers meet with the troubled teens in the community (as opposed to an office) and forge strong, supportive relationships that influence “positive life changes, including the prevention of HIV through reduction in risky behaviors,” the study’s creators said.

For adolescents who run away from home, there’s a “narrow window of opportunity” to intervene before they become homeless, when their risk of HIV infection and other negative outcomes rises dramatically. “The kids were very receptive to having an adult role model. That connection with their case manager was a pivotal piece.”