IPS Methodology for the employment insertion of young people with mental disorders

admin on 17 July 2018

Pioneering methodology for employment insertion specialized in intervention with the mental health collective

The IPS methodology considers both training and job placement as part of the person’s recovery process from the very beginning. The traditional approach introduced this aspect at the end of clinical intervention with the youth. The new system prevents chronicity, facilitates recovery, and increases work motivation.

Weekly face-to-face contact between clinical professionals and job placement professionals allows for the creation of a climate of trust. In this way, workers from different fields work towards the same goal for the youth.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Adolescence and youth, Group intervention, Integrated care, Lab, Link with the community, Mental health, New model of intervention, Pilot project, Prediction and prevention, Proximity care, User empowerment

Location

Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Salut Mental 9 Barris Association, 9 Barris Foundation, Civic Center Espai Jove Les Basses

Genesis

The IPS methodology was created in the United States. In 2014, it arrived in Catalonia to be applied to adults with mental health disorders. In 2015, the Joia Foundation decided to transfer the methodology to the youth population, which was heavily affected by the economic crisis that began in 2008. The pilot test in Catalonia lasted two years and was implemented in Nou Barris, the district with the highest unemployment and poverty rates in Barcelona. It had the support of the Mental Health Association 9 Barris and the 9 Barris Foundation. The location was the Civic Center Espai Jove Les Basses, a community space with extensive experience in job placement and mental health.

Implementation level

During the two years of the pilot test, 120 young people between the ages of 16 and 35 with various mental disorders were attended to. 54% successfully completed the process with quality employment contracts (lasting more than six months or indefinite). Additionally, 30% decided to pursue further education or training. The successes of the trial allowed the project to be consolidated into the Itínere Joves service, which is included among the six types of programs offered by the Joia Foundation in Barcelona and its metropolitan area.

Further information