Traditionally, a full assessment was undertaken as a one-off activity upon first meeting a client. Currently, assessment is seen more as an ongoing process that continues throughout a young person's contact with a service or organisation. Assessment occurs during, and as part of, the engagement process.
To initiate appropriate treatment, there is essential information that must be known about the young person. This information can be gained by carrying out an appropriate assessment. An assessment is invaluable as it allows ourselves and the young person to see where they are at, what they want and what they require. Armed with this information together we can look at what options might be most appropriate.
Listed below are the most common assessment domains. Below each domain is space for you to write why you think it is important to assess these domains.
Substance use:
- perceived reasons for use - initial and ongoing
- how and when initiated
- substances used
- mode of administration & any changes
- frequency of use
- quantity used
- periods of non-use
- physical effects requiring attention (eg complicated withdrawal, fitting, etc)
Why is assessing substance use important?
Why is assessing family life important?
Why is assessing general health important - physical health and mental health (including suicidal ideation and attempts)?
Why is assessing history of abuse / trauma important?
Why is assessing education/training/employment important?
Why is assessing income (legal and illegal) important?
Why is assessing i nterpersonal functioning important?
Why is assessing criminal activity important?
Why is assessing leisure important?
Why is assessing supports important?
Why is assessing strengths important?
Why is assessing their needs and wants important?
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Working with Young People with Alcohol or Other Drug Issues: A self-paced learning package Published: 2006 Funded by NSW Drug & Alcohol Workforce Development Council. Written & compiled by Kristy Delaney, YAPA, and Matt Stubbs & John Howard, Ted Noffs Institute. Additional material by Nick Manning, YAPA, & by Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. Opinions are the author's.
Be careful! YAPA and the authors took reasonable care to ensure that this information was correct at the time of publishing. However health information, and government regulations, laws and standards are complex and changing. The authors may not have health, safety, or legal qualifications, and information provided is general - it is not specific health, legal or professional advice. Do not rely on it - check with other publications and authorities and if necessary get qualified, medical, legal or professional advice for your situation.
