Characterization of adolescents assistance services: interface of mental health and drug addiction

• Published in: Psicologia & Sociedade Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 103 - 113
• Main Authors: Areco, Nichollas Martins, Camila Alessandra, Matias, Silva, Rosalina Carvalho da, Simon, Cristiane Paulin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Adolescents; Children; Cities; Drug Addiction; Mental Health Services; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Statutes; Vulnerability
• DOI: 10.1590/S0102-71822011000100012
• ISSN: 0102-7182

The relationship between the State and the demands of the adolescents has historically changed, having as a landmark the establishment of 'Child and Adolescent Statute' (ECA). We have analyzed under the scope of qualitative research how mental health services and drug addiction of a city of Sao Paulo State comprehended the demands of adolescents under social vulnerability. The five participating institutions in this study have reported through questionnaires the characteristics of their services and how they approach the population served. We identified the fragmentation of public actions, with either overlapping of services, sometimes their absence, besides the distance of the needs of adolescents, avoiding public action to raise elements capable of keeping a positive relationship between this public and the elements that turn them vulnerable. Adapted from the source document.