All our young people will be placed onto our independence workbook programme. This is not an assignment type document that the young person completes alone; it involves numerous one-to-one sessions each week to work through the document with their keyworker where they will supported and guided. There are also topical discussions and scenarios throughout the workbook that will engage the young person into positive thinking and informed choices.

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In addition to the independence transition programme, the young person will receive emotional support to improve their resilience and wellbeing. Young people are fully informed and involved in planning decisions. We establish placement goals that provide clarity for the young person. By involving the young people in decision making, it increases participation, motivation and insight into the change process.

We use a flexible approach to our direct work, believing a ‘one approach fits all’ philosophy restricts potential for change. We apply a systemic approach to our understanding and resolution of the complex situations many of our young people encounter. This often involves working closely with young peoples families or significant others.

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Each young person has a starting point and a point they want to get to. Once the baseline is established and the “Goal” determined, the journey between these two points is planned and the path is taken by that young person. The plan is worked out between the Athena team and the young person in their initial sessions and the journey is conducted via integration of education, community and appropriate relationships, with Athena staff supporting them every step of the way.

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