[Berufliche rehabilitation in der jugendpsychiatrie.]

Vocational integration is an important developmental task that must be mastered if an adolescent is to function successfully in adult society. Moreover adolescence is a period of transition and rapid change, influenced by biological, psychological and social interactions. Not only adolescents with manifest psychiatric disorders, but also those with a combination of different symptoms which don't meet the requirements of a stable diagnosis, need context-sensitive support. In 1996 the youth-specific activities of pro mente Kärnten (an association offering different support to people with mental disorders) became a stand-alone association, dedicated to the special-needs of children's and adolescent's mental and social health. In the field of vocational rehabilitation, pro mente Jugend started with a 6-month (since 2001 12-month) prevocational training (Works) for 18 participants, financed by the Bundessozialamt and targeting a vocational integration after the course. This program proved helpful for adolescents with moderate handicaps and learning disabilities, whereas clients with severe mental disorders (e.g. psychosis and affective disorders) couldn't be supported adequately within 6 nor within 12 months. These people have shown the poorest vocational outcome. Therefore, rapid vocational integration is not a realistic aim for all clients. According to our experience, pro mente jugend makes efforts to develop and provide different out-patient services, bridging the broad transition from hospital based programs to the first labour market - corresponding to the special needs of the clients. At each level, different outcomes are targeted: there are day-care, work therapy and social participation, as well as prevocational training, apprenticeship, integration or transition employment. One of this modules already exists and offers apprenticeship to disadvantaged adolescents. A day-care center for clients with psychotic and affective disorders is being planned currently. For implementing this concept, pro mente Jugend will consider some principles: near to the clients needs and shared-decision making with them - based on ongoing assessment, diagnostic and planning; consumer-driven Case Management to provide the sufficient support in time; respecting people's right to work and addressing their strengths and preferences; empowerment and full participation. Because of the governments budgetary limits, we intend to cooperate with responsible parts of the civic society and companies, which are ready to engage in social activities.