Introduction:

Malaysian counsellors face a lot of challenges when trying to help clients from minority populations, especially those who are the disadvantaged group such as abused children, at risk teenagers, and juvenile offenders. This project proposed to increase student’s awareness on cultural and mental health issues of at-risk teenagers in crisis.

Objectives:   

1. To identify the specific culture, needs and challenges of residents of shelter homes (RKK:Rumah Kanak-Kanak, Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) using a RESPECTFUL model

2. To describe the challenges, ethical/best practises, and professional issues involved, and useful strategies when helping at-risk teenagers in crisis from the perspectives of expert/senior counsellors.

3. To develop a psycho-education module on crisis education and counselling for teenagers at-risk.

4. To provide self-help skills in dealing with crises among teenagers at-risk at selected RKK via psycho-education support group during workshops.

Knowledge transferred:

This project has four phases which are: 1) Input Analysis Phase 2) Module Development Phase 3) Project/ Program Implementation 4) Output and Impact Analysis Phase 

Impact of project:

1. Increased academic achievement especially in courses such as cross-cultural counselling and multicultural counselling because the proposed project provides a platform for in vivo and experiential learning.

2. Out-of-classroom Knowledge and skills gained – The participants also gain a long life skill on how to help at-risk teenagers, especially those who are in crises. These skills can be their future endeavour.

3. Increased mental health awareness – the residents of RKK will be more aware in identifying their mental health problem and more knowledgeable in managing those problems from the project.

4. Cutting cost – By using the module, our project partner (RKK Rembau, Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) can continue conducting the one-day mental health awareness event.