ABSTRACT
The Recovery Orientation Model in Action: How Meaningful Change Can, and Does, Happen for Homeless Young People
Jacqui de la Rue, Brisbane Youth Service
Innovative mental health approaches are needed to increase access to services that are timely, appropriate, youth-friendly, affordable, and support meaningful recovery.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Recovery Orientation Model, used in an on-site counselling service for homeless young people who experience a dual diagnosis (meaning a mental health concern and a substance misuse issue). Results demonstrate that young people experienced individual levels of change, but found maintaining change very difficult.
This paper suggests that youth based mental health approaches need to include clinical indicators of change (such as reduced depression and anxiety) as well as addressing the impact of social determinants of health (such as housing, gaining meaningful employment, and improved access to services).