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Iris Therapeutic Hostel For Adolescents
Iris was winged and sweeping as a storm, famed as the loyal, fleet-footed messenger
of the gods. She delivered their messages both to other gods and to mortals, or
at other times, she was asked to intervene whenever a problem arose
For many adolescents life can be difficult. Their own families may not be able to
deal with the special pressures, which arise at this stage of their children's lives
and may result to the development of psychosocial problems. The temporary removal
of adolescents from the family setting aims at providing therapeutic support for
them and their families, with a view to ameliorating their family relationships
and promoting their social re-inclusion.
"Iris" constitutes a model community foundation which began operation in June 2002
within the framework of the programmes of the Association for the Psychosocial Health
of Children and Adolescents (A.P.H.C.A.), and is funded by the Ministry of Health
and Social Welfare (decision No: Y5B/G.P. 124171/30-12-2002.
The "Iris" programme is addressed to adolescents, boys and girls aged 12-16 years,
who are experiencing:
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- psychoses in remission
- mood disturbances
- behavioural and emotional disorders (hyperactivity type disorders, mild conduct
disorders, social anxiety disturbances, etc.)
- psychosocial problems
- adaptation difficulties due to chronic physical health problems with mental health
effects
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Αdolescents with the following conditions are not accepted:
- acute psychiatric symptomatology (e.g. active schizophrenia, depression with suicidal
tendencies)
- mental retardation or autism
- severe behavioural disturbance (violent behaviour, delinquency, flight, addiction)
- serious physical health problems (uncontrolled epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes,
haemorrhagic ulcerative colitis)
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An important criterion for the inclusion in the programme is the ability of the
adolescent's family or carers to cooperate with the mental health care specialists
and services
Programmes
- Child psychiatric monitoring
- Individual adolescent psychoanalytical psychotherapy
- Parental counselling
- Family therapy
- School inclusion and learning support
- Social integration
Objectives
The operational model of "Iris", as regards the management of the everyday issues
that may arise, is directed towards the motivation of the adolescent residents and
their participation in individual and group activities.
The aim is to promote, to the greatest degree possible, the respect of the individuals'
personality and self-determination, in combination with their needs for protection
and care. These are provided discreetly, in an environment enriched with stimulating
experiences and maintaining open relations with the community
The Therapeutic Team
- A child psychiatrist - Head of the team
- A social worker
- A psychotherapist
- A special education teacher
- A nurse
- A housekeeper
In order to ensure effective functioning of the therapeutic team, the following
activities are arranged:
- individual supervision
- group supervision
- clinical meetings
- training programmes, educational visits and collaboration with child and adolescent
mental health services
The Community
- Community education about the programme is achieved through talks, seminars, informational
visits
- To meet the needs of the "Iris" Therapeutic Hostel, a voluntary support network
has been created
2, Nimfon & Dasous St, 152 33 Halandri, Athens - Greece
Τηλ: +30 210 6896418, +30 210 6856373 |
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