Elective Years 3 and 4: Adolescent Forensic Inpatient Unit

Department: Psychiatry
Title:

Adolescent Forensic Inpatient Unit

Diversification = R1 Psychiatry

Location: Alberta Hospital Edmonton
Duration:

Minimum 2 weeks

Contact:

University of Alberta Students: 587-784-6711
Placement Contact: Chelsey Konowalyk umepsych@ualberta.ca  780-492-7604

Visiting Canadian Medical Students: visitingelectives@ualberta.ca

Overview:

Turning Point Program is a 17 bed unit for youth who have been involved with the criminal justice system. The program provides inpatient assessment and treatment services to adolescents who are:

  • 12 years of age or older
  • In conflict with the law
  • Legally mandated for assessment and treatment services
  • Who require assessment and treatment for mental health or behaviour problems

Turning Point accepts referrals from throughout the province and occasionally from the Northern Territories on a case by case basis. The unit accommodates both remand assessments (ordered by the courts under the Youth Criminal Justice Act) and treatment programs for youth in custodial care.

A multi-model, cognitive behavioural approach is used to address the multiple deficits that often place these individuals at increased risk for re-offending, focusing on their mental illness and/or behavioural difficulties. Family involvement is encouraged and integrated into the treatment program. An academic program is offered through the Edmonton Public School Division and patients are encouraged to pursue educational endeavours.

Objectives:
Knowledge to Gain: 
Students will understand issues pertaining to adolescent's interaction with the criminal justice system, including understanding bio-psycho-social risk factors related to offending. Students will gain an understanding of mental illness and disorders in youth involved with the justice system and treatment approaches to modify ongoing risk.  Students will also gain familiarity with the basic principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They will also learn about the basic tools to assess risk in the child and adolescent population. Additionally, they will gain exposure to a multidisciplinary approach to youth forensic assessment and the incorporation of family, school supports and other stakeholders in rehabilitation planning. 
 
Skills to acquire: 
Basic understanding and skills in the bio-psycho-social approach to assessing and treating adolescents and their families who are involved in the criminal justice system. This includes observation/participation in adolescent assessments for court and an understanding of the limitations of confidentiality associated with forensic assessments. Students should develop an awareness of strategies to modify interview approaches for varied developmental levels. 
 
Attitudes to Learn:
Appreciation of the complex factors that impact youth interactions with the criminal justice system, including both individual, social and systemic factors. It is also expected that students gain an appreciation of stigma and vulnerabilities that criminal justice-involved youth face. Positive and respectful attitude in working with multidisciplinary teams in a hospital setting.
Additional Notes: No prerequisites necessary, but it is preferred that medical students have completed their student intern rotation in psychiatry.
Last Updated: June 6, 2023