Syrjäytymisvaarassa olevien vajaakuntoisten nuorten kuntoutustarpeen arviointi

Halonen J-P, Aaltonen T, Hamalainen A, Karppi S-L, Kaukinen J, Kervila A, Lehtinen M, Pere E, Puukka P, Siitonen V, Silvennoinen S, Talo S. Assessment of rehabilitation needs among handicapped young adults at risk of exclusion. Helsinki: The Social Insurance Institution, Finland. Social security and health reports 73, 2007. 89 pp. ISBN 978-951-669-736-2 (nid.), 978-951-669-737-9 (pdf). Fifty-eight young adults at risk of exclusion underwent a rehabilitation examination in the Social Insurance Institution’s rehabilitation centre (now Petrea). All of the participants had been diagnosed with physical, mental or social functional limitations preventing them from participation in the labour market. The rehabilitation examinations were performed by an interdisciplinary team comprising a physician, social worker, psychologist, nurse and physical therapist. An individual rehabilitation plan was drawn up for nearly all of the participants in a process that revealed extensive information about the personal background factors exposing the participants to a risk of exclusion. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, an individual profile of functioning and disability was created for each participant. The profiles indicated a preponderance of psychological and social problems. However, the young adults themselves had a more positive view of their own situation than the interdisciplinary team. The project recommendations highlight the importance of the early recognition of needs, seamless cooperation between authorities, the appointment of a single body responsible for following up on the rehabilitation plan, and the development of new mental health services designed for young adults.