Adapting Mental Health Interventions for War-Affected Youth Through Employment Programs

Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) is an innovative, evidence-based mental health intervention to address co-morbid difficulties with externalizing problems (anger/emotion dysregulation) and internalizing problems (hopelessness/anxiety) among violence-affected youth. YRI methodology draws on evidence-based treatment elements commonly used in both cognitive-behavioral intervention and group interpersonal therapy. YRI has cross-cutting efficacy across a range of mental health conditions common in violence-affected youth. YRI will be delivered in 12 sessions over the course of 3 months.

Income generating activity programming will be carried out by GOAL in partnership with St. George's foundation through use of their current funding. GOAL focuses on supporting people in need by providing healthcare resources, advocating and advancing child protection practices and policies, and administering livelihood programs to empower them improve their lives in a sustainable manner. The St. George's Foundation's addresses child welfare concerns by actively reaching out to homeless and orphaned children. The program is 4 months in length and consists of skills training, soft skills development (primarily in numeracy and literacy), and a cash transfer of $200.