Back on the Subject of Solutions

Hey,

So my last few posts have been mainly on things i have been finding in media to help justify the need for reform.

I would like to look back at the Yuli model of reform i wrote about a little bit ago. I would just like to break it down for you, as the actual research documents behind it are extremely dry readings.

So first, it focuses on FACILITY.



No more bunk beds, no more iron cage cribs, no more "hospital", no more white barren walls.
The new facilities built are colorful and inviting. Depending on the severity of the individual's disability, there are a number of different rooming options. There are apartments, single rooms, rooms where you may have a few roommates, etc, but they are all extremely spacious and allow for freedom to go in and out, without it being like a prison cell.

Second, it focuses on THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY.

The facilities are not cut off from the rest of the mainstream world. The local community beside the hospital fully integrates with the patients. The patients are a part of their community. Depending on the individual's disability, there is a real element of freedom. Patients with minor problems can frequent the town as much as they would like without a caretaker. Others are more supervised, but the institution tries to keep open schedules, without rigid conformity and structure.

The patients also receive VOCATIONAL TRAINING.


Another aspect is that the institution truly wants to help its inhabitants gain independence. Providing training in basic jobs helps people to have a sense of responsibility. There are different programs, offering different levels. The most basic being chores around the facility, leading up to actual jobs in the local community based on the individual.


These components, as well as having highly trained staff, have created great success for the institution's rehabilitation rates and the people are thriving from it.

The problems and challenges the institution faces are those that just about every facility faces.
- Lack of sufficient funding
- Turnover rates in staff

But the facility has overcome these challenges and the people supported by it are thriving.

I believe that if other facilities adopted these reform methods, people would be able to thrive. Crazy thought....what if everyone treated everyone like human beings? What a world that would be... community and care coming together to help and benefit those who need the extra support.

Different countries in Asia and Europe have already begun implementing the Yuli Model.Perhaps it is the answer.