Long term residential support/rehabilitation

Many family members have heard of ‘rehab’ and believe it to be a solution to a young person’s drug and alcohol issues. 

Rehab is where a young person lives with a group of others in a substance free supported accommodation staffed 24 hours by trained workers. They have the opportunity to participate in a structured program that often involves developing a plan with the young person to meet their social, emotional and educational needs. Young people are encouraged to return to study or look for work and learn basic living skills for when they leave the program. 

There are two Youth Residential Rehabilitation Units in Victoria for young people aged between 16 to 25 years of age. For young people under the age of sixteen there has been much consideration put into whether this support option if appropriate. Rehab is not recommended for young people aged 16 and under as there are community-based options available that are more developmentally appropriate for these young people.    

Long term residential support requires a commitment of anywhere from three to six months during which time a young person lives away from their regular circumstances. This can be highly disruptive to young people who are engaged in school or work or who has close supportive relationships. 

Before entering a Residential Rehabilitation Unit a young person will need to complete a detox. This is to ensure the young person has safely withdrawn from drugs. When completing a referral for a Residential Rehabilitation Unit this will be explored with a young person.  

For a referral to any support service, a conversation and assessment with the young person will need to be completed. Hearing from the young person directly ensures we understand their needs and goals as well allowing their voice to be heard.  

Think rehab might be right for someone you care for? Take a look at our video of a rehab run by YSAS.