Multiproblem approach

Features of multiproblem situation

It is so complex we don’t know where to start, how

to start…Feel helpless, as a youth worker

Hard to create an action plan

Elements of multiproblem situation can be:• Permanent unemployed situation• Often changing of jobplaces• Chronic mental or physical illness• Disability• Problems at school • Truancy, unfinished schools, lack of profession• Addiction: drug, alcohol, behaviour or

relationship dependencies, risky life style• Disadvantaged family background, conflicts

between generations, lack of support from the family, problematical relationship with parents.

• Disadvantaged neighborghood• Previous police record, criminal background• Etc..

Step by step• Don’t panic!

• Identify, which one of the problems is the most important and urgent –

for the young person• Focus on only one problem

at the same time• Explore the client’s past! What worked?

Look for analogies • Focus on the change not on the problem

• Celebrate small successes

Step by step

• Positive reinforcement• Repeat what works,

give up what doesn’t work.• Discover the sources: SWOT.

• Focus on the things you have done before, focus to the values and previous results

you achieved. Find the positive exceptions.

• Monitoring the process. It is not enough to start a change.

Useful methods

Brief, solution-focused, dynamic job-consultation(Insoo Kim Berg)

• Focus on finding job• Map obstacles • Involve partners, if necessary• Together with the youngster elaborate the

strategies for finding jobs.

Useful methods

Similar to coaching (John Whitmore)

It is better to do something for the expected change with the young person instead of for him/her.

Inspire to step forward from here-and-now to imagine the possible future

Useful methods

Egsistential therapy(V.E. Frankl)

What makes you happy to do?

Arising creativity

Strenghten self-confidence,

Empower people to move

Emotional support, strong relationships

Appreciative inquiry (David L. Cooperrider and Diana Whitney)

Be aware of the language you use, because it creates your reality

Build on the past successes

Useful methods