Anunska developed the Young Person Program (YPP) to improve the success of younger clients admitted to the Moonyah Withdrawal Unit. The YPP is an innovative way to support younger clients with their physical and mental wellbeing prior and throughout their detox.
Anunska identified that some systems did not support young people with best practice, as procedures and policies were ‘one size fits all’. YPP has improved collaboration between young clients and staff, and ensured organisational procedures and policies were altered to allow customised support. Anunska provided staff with in-service educational sessions which has not only inspired her colleagues but has also significantly improved the outcomes of the younger participants.
Since the implementation and adaptation of procedures to accommodate each young person's unique needs, Anunska and the team have seen an increase in completion of the program, an increase of presenting for admission and significant reduction of self-harm.
"Recently we had a 23-year-old with heavy substance use in the program. When he was admitted he presented as a deer in the headlights. But he slowly began to develop a trust in the staff and learnt what to expect in the dorm-style environment. We observed major physical and emotional changes after 12 days with us. On, discharge he was happy. We looked at his situation holistically rather than focusing on rules."