Who May Refer
Clients may be referred to this program by parents, professionals or community agencies involved with the adolescent. Referrals may be made in either English or French through the Centre's Intake Coordinator by parents, professionals or community agencies involved with the adolescent. The referring agent maintains the role of case manager with the youth, including such functions as ensuring other services are in place (eg. housing, medical appointments and specialized services).
Admission Criteria
A client admitted to the A.S.A.P. program must:
- be a resident of Ontario
- be between the ages of 12 and 18, at the time of application
- be able to function at or above the borderline range of intelligence
- be free from types of organic impairments which block therapeutic change
- be assessed as presenting a “clinical picture” that is moderate to severe in degree of disturbance
- demonstrate evidence of the potential to change within the resources available.
- present an addictions or substance abuse problem
Types of Clients
This program is intended to respond to adolescents, male and female, French or English, who have been diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse concerns. These clients must also meet the Centre's mandate for service.
Treatment
Treatment for the dually-diagnosed adolescent is an attempt to engage an adolescent in a psychosocial therapeutic process involving the mastery of pro-social skills and self-regulation, which make possible a productive and satisfying life. By definition, the clients do not recognize that they have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol. The program goal is to help clients in recognizing that their use is problematic. Using Prochaska's model of change, the program’s primary objective is to help clients move from the Pre-Contemplation stage to Contemplation stage. Clients who are unable to maintain abstinence or who have not achieved abstinence may be accepted into the program.
