Semi-freedom measures for adolescents in conflict with the law and the articulation of mental health care

Abstract

Mental health care is important and depends not only on the Psychosocial Care network, but also on other health networks and other policies such as Education and Social Assistance. Producing intersectoral care involves acting on the complexity and context of people, especially in vulnerable situations, such as adolescents in conflict with the law. This qualitative research investigated mental health practices with adolescents serving semi-freedom socio-educational measures in Curitiba, presenting the opinion of workers at Semi-Freedom Houses. The results indicate that adolescents in semi-freedom have greater access to the community, while those admitted remain isolated. The interviews indicated that in the articulation between health, education and social assistance services, there was greater collaboration from the Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS). Reports indicate that, in relation to schools and the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS), there are difficulties in access and stigmatization, especially for black adolescents. Although semi-open units seek greater integration and network care and have shown more effective results than inpatient units, there are still significant challenges in the articulation with Education and SUAS. The construction of intersectoral cooperation is essential and requires policies that support and professionals committed to breaking segregationist pacts.