Description
Although about 20% of the population suffer from at least one mental health problem before reaching the age of 18, Portugal has scarce clinical and rehabilitation services to address these specific issues. This project aims at developing an integrated and proactive service for children and young adults up to 25 years, to respond to these diseases and associated social exclusion. A pilot project for the provision of integrated and assertive care will be implemented through a mobile team of psychosocial support, in a logic of systemic intervention. The aim is to promote a favourable development of the mental health problem, to empower a support network working towards the recovery and inclusion process, to identify the key factors for success and to disseminate good practices. The project will contribute to the employability of the young people benefited.
Summary of project results
About 20% of children and adolescents have at least one mental disorder before the age of 18 and continuous disturbances through childhood, adolescence and adult life have a long-term impact on disability and social exclusion. The late onset or lack of access to treatment undermine a favorable solution for this problem. The direct and indirect costs associated with psychiatric disorders, welfare expenses and decreasing productivity can reach around 20% of all health costs. At the local level, the social networks of Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais identify mental health as a critical area for social development. 47 children and youngsters with mental disorders have been directly supported by the project on the basis of 47 integrated action plans tailored to each of them. According to the evaluation made by the end of the project 90.3% of children and teenagers and 66.7% of young adults have improved their autonomy due to the project. Out of the 11 youngsters participating in vocational training actions only 6 completed them successfully (one of them, on-job training). A large set of activities were implemented, working directly with 302 people although only 195 were considered trained/empowered at the end of such itinerary (47 beneficiaries, 68 caretakers and 80 support individuals like family and community members). This extensive group of people represented a good sample to validate an innovative work methodology comprising the development of skills in child / youth with mental health problems as well as the empowerment and training of their ecosystem on understanding their difficulties and identifying appropriate support for recovery and integration. 3 manuals of good practices were produced and 30 training plans were designed for school drop-out children. The results are a bit behind initial targets, due to an optimistic assessment of the children and young people able to complete the planned activities.
Summary of bilateral results