Challenges in Developing a Community-Based Program for Maltreated Children and Adolescents in Brazil

Author(s)

Scivoletto, Sandra ^[1] ; de Medeiros Filho, Mauro Vitor ^[1] ; Stefanovics, Elina ^[2] ; Rosenheck, Robert A. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept & Inst Psychiat, Equilibrium Program, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Yale Univ, Dept Psychiat, New Haven, CT 06520 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES; v. 65, n. 2, p. 138-140, FEB 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

This column describes the planning and development of The Equilibrium Program (TEP) for multiply traumatized and neglected children and adolescents with mental and general medical problems in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The program is a partnership between university faculty, various service providers, the courts, and the city government. In the first step, child psychiatry faculty from the University of Sao Paulo visited central-city areas and group shelters to talk to street youths to better understand their needs. A nearby community sports center building was chosen to be a center where youths could access services and engage in recreational activities and where the work of family integration could be facilitated. A multidisciplinary team conducts an in-depth assessment and creates an intervention plan, overseen by a case manager. Challenges to implementing such programs are discussed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/18374-6 - Neuropsychological profile of adolescents exposed to situations of early emotional stress
• Grantee: Sandra Scivoletto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants