Adolescent Mental Health in the Socio-educational System: Interview with Semi-liberty professionals in Curitiba

Abstract

The suffering and mental health crisis of the child and adolescent populations are phenomena of interdisciplinary interest. When addressing vulnerable adolescences, such as adolescents undergoing socio-educational measures, care policies and practices are urgent. The main objective of this research was to understand the definitions applied to the suffering and mental health crises of adolescents fulfilling semi-freedom in Curitiba. The research methodology was qualitative and exploratory, applying interviews with 11 workers from Semi-freedom Houses and discussing the findings based on Psychosocial Care references. From the results, two themes stand out: (1) definitions of mental health, suffering and crisis, (2) management of suffering and crises. Workers demonstrated broad and contextual understanding and management of suffering and crises. Impasses related to the premises of Socioeducation were found, as well as reports of suffering experienced by workers. The way professionals understand and conceptualize crisis and suffering results in their practices. This research understood the Semi-Freedom model as more aligned with Psychosocial Care.