Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | social pedagogic and psychiatric cooperation in severe adolescent crises - the Modellstation SOMOSA |
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| Contribution code | D1.044 |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
| Topic |
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| Abstract |
SOMOSA - a unique approach for inpatient treatment of complex disorders of adolescents in Switzerland Complex disorders of adolescence, characterised by a range of concurrent symptoms and conditions, represent a substantial ‘burden of disease’, both for those afflicted and for society as a whole. In spite of their young age, the affected teenagers and young adults have typically experienced a multitude of ultimately futile diagnostic and treatment approaches over the course of various years, while clinging to dysfunctional coping strategies, internalizing or externalizing, in order to survive. Trust in the ‘system’ and the adult world has long been shattered and needs to be rebuilt carefully, before true contact can be established, and developement becomes an actual possibility. Consequently, inpatient treatment of the affected adolescents requires an extraordinary amount of stability and resilience from institutions and their employees, while various crucial factors for possible success and failure have to be taken into account. SOMOSA, based in northern Switzerland, is nationally renownded for its 10-month, intensive treatment program, tailored specifically to the needs and capabilities of adolescents with long-standing and multifactorial psychosocial challenges. The pillars upon which it rests have been developed and refined over 30 years. At the same time, they are permanentely changing and evolving with different generations of young people and specific issues they are facing during their adolescence. Key ingredients of the SOMOSA concept are a tight-knit collaboration of and intensive interdisciplinary exchange between all experts involved : psychiatry/psychotherapy, social pedagogy, and vocational therapy. These collaborative structures are represented in different layers of the institution, i. e. on the mangement level, as well as in the so called «case teams», that are assigned to each client individually, and consist of one expert of each respective field. Case teams handle all treatment related decisions and interventions autonomosly, while relying on professional and personal support and feedback within the organization, whenever necesseray. Empowering helpers and clients alike is crucial for recoginzing, tolerating, and ultimately resolving the uncertainty that comprises complex disorders of adolescence. |