JACARANDA PLACE: LEARNINGS FROM A SUB-ACUTE, ADOLESCENT, EXTENDED TREATMENT CENTRE

Abstract

Background: Jacaranda Place (JP) is one of the few units in the world to provide extended treatment in a subacute setting to young people and their families. The Adolescent Unit (AU) typically provides up to 6 months of care to young people from Queensland aged 13-18 years and consists of a 12-bed inpatient unit. There is a co-located Day Program that provides care to the local region. A strong emphasis on co-design, consumer engagement and collaboration has been employed to develop a programme that empowers young people and their family to take positive steps in their recovery journey after feeling 'stuck'. Objectives: To provide an update on the outcomes of adolescent psychiatric inpatient units generally, explain how JP was created, discuss the AU treatment framework (including Adaptive Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment [AMBIT]), provide preliminary results on the JPAU outcomes and to present results on additional projects involving interagency collaborations. Methods: A systematic review, reflections on treatment framework and design, pre-post outcome questionnaires, and data analysis as appropriate. Findings: Preliminary results indicate positive effects; data continue to be analysed. Conclusion: JP has proven to be an effective intervention for young people who feel stuck. Co-design and collaboration are integral to develop a sense of empowerment, which is necessary to assist young people to progress in their recovery journey. AMBIT is a useful framework to approach working with such complex young people. Collaboration between agencies is necessary to develop appropriately supportive programmes to improve supports available beyond specialised treatment centres.