A review of working with homeless adolescents with comorbid mental health and substance misuse problems

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the issues of providing care for homeless adolescents who present with comorbid mental health and substance misuse problems within a specialist child and adolescent mental health service. The limited evidence base concerning dual diagnosis among the adolescent population is explored and the application of research based on the adult population to this client group is considered.The intervention strategies that have proved successful in clinical practice are discussed and the evidence to support this is highlighted. The importance of taking an assertive outreach approach to, and investing time in, the engagement process is first considered. Then the application and benefits of harm reduction and motivational interventions are explored before the importance of multi‐agency working is highlighted and a conclusion offered.

Citation

Corrigan, M. and Manley, D. (2009), "A review of working with homeless adolescents with comorbid mental health and substance misuse problems", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 25-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/17570972200900022