Kristin Penhaligon and Tara Harriden, Brisbane Youth Service
A large proportion of the work in a residential supported accommodation program, is working with young people to get them ready to live independently. The young people have spent varying amounts of time in different stages of homelessness and many have a history of trauma, abuse, neglect, mental health issues (either theirs or their parents’), substance use (theirs or their parents’), etc.
As we cater for young people of all genders between 15 and 18 years, there are different levels of emotional/mental maturity, communication skills, intellectual abilities etc. Having to meet new people, make friends and integrate into an unfamiliar living environment can be quite a daunting prospect for some young people.
We have been applying art therapy methods at various stages of our young people’s stays with us to build and enhance relationships – between the young people living in the house as well as between our young people and our youth workers.