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A time-limited treatment program for children and their families
Insights
The family psychiatric unit provides intensive, short-term treatment for children under 15 with behavioral issues. This program involves families and shows a low rate of readmission, indicating treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Family Therapy
- Pediatric Behavioral Health
Background:
- The Royal Jubilee Hospital established a family psychiatric unit in December 1972.
- The unit was designed to treat children under 15 experiencing emotional disturbances or behavioral problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive, family-integrated psychiatric treatment program for children.
- To assess the readmission rates for children treated at the family psychiatric unit.
Main Methods:
- Children aged 15 and under were admitted for a five-week intensive treatment period.
- Family members were actively involved in the child's treatment throughout the admission.
- Post-discharge, families received an additional five weeks of in-home therapy.
Main Results:
- Over 350 children have been admitted to the unit since its inception.
- Only 21 children required a second admission, demonstrating a high success rate.
Conclusions:
- The family psychiatric unit model offers an effective approach to treating pediatric behavioral and emotional disturbances.
- The integrated family therapy model contributes to successful treatment outcomes and minimizes the need for re-treatment.
Abstract:
In December 1972 the family psychiatric unit opened at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria for the treatment of children under age 15 with emotional disturbances or behavior problems. Each child is admitted to the unit on a predetermined date for a pre-established period of five weeks, during which time the child's family is also involved in treatment. After the child is released from the unit, therapy continues for an additional five weeks in the family's home and then contact is terminated. To date more than 350 children have been admitted to the unit; a second admission has been required in only 21 cases.