The development of a learning module for youth care counsellors working with incarcerated youth

Background: A shift toward a rehabilitative model of care has prompted the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre to institute a policy restricting seclusion and restraint as a means of behavioural management. This policy has been received with skepticism by youth counsellors who use these methods to contain disruptive behaviours. Insufficient training in mental health has precipitated feelings of inadequacy as they feel ill-equipped to do their jobs. Purpose: The purpose of my practicum is to develop a mental health learning module for youth counsellors to reduce seclusion and restraint in youth corrections. Methods: A literature search illustrated what is known on the topic of seclusion and restraint in youth corrections. Consultation with stakeholders revealed staff attitudes regarding the policy and its operational impact. An environmental scan revealed the availability of other resources intended to address disruptive behaviours. Conclusion: The learning module is focused on mental illnesses to increase youth counsellors’ competency in managing disruptive behaviours while minimizing the use of seclusion and restraint.

The first time delivery of the first link learning series using Skype and YouTube

Introduction: This case study documented the experiences of informal and service providers who participated in the first time delivery of the First Link Learning Series from May–August 2013 in Newfoundland and Labrador. The aim of this study was to understand how informal caregivers of people with dementia experience this Internet mediated health resource, and how Skype and YouTube can be used as tools for the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador to effectively deliver the First Link Learning Series. Methods: Sources of data included key informant interviews (n=3), pre- study and post-study interviews with informal dementia caregivers (n=2), institutional documentation, field notes, and YouTube analytics. Framework Analysis was used to make meaning of the qualitative data, and descriptive statistics were used to report on quantitative outcomes. Findings: Between 3% and 17% of registered First Link clients attended the learning series sessions, however only two caregivers participated using Skype or YouTube. Framework Analysis revealed three shared themes: access, connection and privacy. Discussion: The themes helped to begin building theory about barriers and facilitators to Internet mediated health resources for informal dementia caregivers. Experiences of service providers using the Internet to support clients served to begin building a case for the appropriateness of these media. A modified version of Dansky et al.’s (2006) theoretical framework for evaluating E-Health research that situates the person/user in the model, helped guide discussion and propose future directions for the study of Internet based health resources for informal dementia caregivers.