Examining options for the implementation of residential treatment programs for children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Background
The Government of Newfoundland & Labrador has announced the creation of two residential treatment centres: one for youth with complex mental health needs and one for youth with addictions. At present, youth with complex mental health needs or addictions are sent out of province for residential treatment or they are provided with alternative health service plans such as Independent Living Arrangements (ILA). The new residential treatment centres will provide youth with treatment options that were previously unavailable in this province.
Decision makers in the Department of Health and Community Services, Labrador Grenfell Health and Eastern Health worked with Team Leader Dr. John S. Lyons (Endowed Chair, Child and Youth Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa/Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) and the NLCAHR Contextualized Health Research Synthesis Program to identify and evaluate the best available evidence addressing residential treatment health services for youth with complex mental health needs and/or addictions. The research evidence was analysed in the context of the capacities and characteristics of the province.
Research Question
Given the characteristics of the client base and the social, geographic, economic and political contexts of Newfoundland & Labrador,what does the scientific literature tell us about effective ways to implement appropriate and efficient residential treatment programs for all children and youth aged 10 to 21 with complex needs in the province
Timeline
This project was completed in October 2010.