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Lighthouse Therapeutic Family Model of Care
The Lighthouse Therapeutic Family Model of Care is a robust, replicable, evidence based integrated model of therapeutic care. It is based on attachment theory and addresses the biological and psychological need of individuals to bond with and relate to primary caregivers as fundamental to the survival and future development of human beings.
Each young person is encouraged to be active in school, work and personal development, while undertaking programs to address individual barriers. The continuing support and access to these programs from within the home and on an outreach basis ensures that a sense of belonging within a community is maintained and strengthened.
Overview of Model – wellness needs
1. Individual Wellness
2. Relational Wellness
3. Community Wellness
Individual Wellness
As young people commence the project they begin a psychological healing process, including addressing identity confusion (past, present and future), attachment difficulties and disconnection from the wider community.
At induction, each young person visits homes, participates in dinners and family meetings, attends community events, meets carers, and debriefs experiences. He/she establishes an Individual Development Plan which is a holistic plan that focuses on the young person’s individual, relational and community wellness needs.
The first step of the recovery process is to ensure that the young person is provided with their basic human needs, like a bed and a safe place to live, a healthy meal, love, affection and security, and that their physical and emotional health is cared for. We refer to this as addressing the individual wellness needs of the young person.
Relational Wellness
Once settled in the Lighthouse home, young people are provided with a ‘secure base’ through their attachment to a primary care giver who acts as a ‘therapeutic parent’ that provides safety and security. The young person builds a sense of self-respect and self-worth through being provided a sense of PLACE*.
The psychological healing process continues, aimed at building self-autonomy with emphasis on participating in the home, addressing the trauma of abuse, loss and rejection, developing insight and awareness and building a sense of trust in relationships.
Community Wellness
During this stage, the young person continues to work towards interdependent living as part of the Individual Development Plan, addressing the possibilities of education/employment, building of support networks, participating in recreation/ leisure/ fun activities, and cultural and spiritual wellbeing.
This stage of the psychological healing process addresses - developing autonomy, consolidating new skills and developing confidence in building relationships, and reconnection with the wider community
*PLACE (Playful; Loving; Accepting; Curiosity; Empathy)
Measuring the Effectiveness
The vast majority of our young people have managed their anxiety, addictions and symptoms and have progressed into the job market, developed supportive relationships and secured membership into the broader community.
The measureable outcomes of the program are:
* Attendance rates
* Number of active Individual Development Plans (for young people)
* Stabilisation of the health of young people
* Rehabilitation and prevention of alcohol and other licit substance abuse
* Improved or increased rates of participation in transitional programs, such as education/employment
* Improvements in relationship building
* Transition from the program to independent living
* Number of active Professional Development Plans (for staff)
