A new program to help youth struggling with significant mental health issues and school participation is celebrating success wth its first graduating cohort.
The Adolescent Intensive Day Treatment Program (AIDTP) for youth aged 14 to 18 uses a trauma-focused approach to providing client-specific mental health treatment and educational programming within a safe and structured therapeutic environment.
The intensive five-month journey has profoundly impacted the lives and futures of the youth participants, according to Island Health.
B次元官网网址淭his program gave our child the space to build trusting and mutually respectful relationships, be vulnerable and develop more self-awareness,B次元官网网址� said one parent. B次元官网网址淧rior to this program, our child was so ill that we thought weB次元官网网址檇 lost them forever. By the end of the five months, we got our child back.B次元官网网址�
The aim is to support youth to improve their mental health and well-being and strengthen relationships with parents, caregivers and peers. Twice per year, two 10-person cohorts receive specialized care at Saanich's Queen Alexandra Centre for ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health from a dedicated and compassionate interdisciplinary team that includes a social worker, counsellors, family therapist, recreational therapist, occupational therapist, teacher, educational assistant, psychologist, psychiatrist and administrative support.
B次元官网网址淲e developed the program to address a gap in service for kids who were chronically suicidal, self-harming, and repeatedly hospitalized,B次元官网网址� said Henny Laurin, Island Health manager for child, youth, family mental health and substance use. B次元官网网址淪ome of our participants havenB次元官网网址檛 left their homes or attended school in years and this program is giving them the coping skills to be able to do that.B次元官网网址�
The first team member hired, child and youth counsellor Amanda Fantillo, supports youth participants in developing life skills, helping them to build their confidence, foster relationships and meet their goals.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e created a group structure, but we set each individual up to achieve their own success,B次元官网网址� Fantillo said in a news release. B次元官网网址淪ome of these kids felt so broken when they started the program, and the journeys weB次元官网网址檝e witnessed have been truly transformational.B次元官网网址�
AIDTP focuses on socialization opportunities, with participants receiving a variety of services including individual and group therapy, on-site education in a therapeutic classroom, life skills such as cooking and budgeting, recreational programming, job preparedness and post-secondary exploration. Clinicians also accompany participants on a variety of outings designed to help them build their tolerance and exposure to other people and new experiences while developing a sense of community.
B次元官网网址淚 feel so privileged to be able to step into every aspect of this program and get to know these kids on a deep and meaningful level,B次元官网网址� said Fantillo. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 also wonderful to support their families.B次元官网网址�
Family participation is mandatory, with clinicians providing family members and caregivers with practical solutions and problem-solving techniques for interacting with their kids through parent coaching and individual and group sessions.
B次元官网网址淚 think a lot of these kids come to us feeling disheartened, disenfranchised and like they canB次元官网网址檛 be helped. Their parents are also often at their wit's end,B次元官网网址� program coordinator Kirsteen Moore said. B次元官网网址淎t the beginning of the program we encountered some pretty scared and upset parents, however when their children graduated from the cohort they were shedding tears of joy. Watching this program unfold has been magical.B次元官网网址�
The Adolescent Intensive Day Treatment Program is available by referral only.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact CanadaB次元官网网址檚 988 hotline, which gives people access to suicide prevention services via call or text 24/7 and free of charge.