Seeing the community as the source of mental health rather than as an obstacle, sets the course toward full community integration, normalisation and citizenship. Key Strengths Model principles 1. Focus is on the person's strengths NOT pathology, symptoms, weaknesses and deficits. The community is viewed as an oasis of resources not as an obstacle to working with people. Interventions are based on the principle of the person's self determination 4.
Assertive outreach is the preferred mode of intervention.
In other words it is preferable to see the person in the park, their home, or a cafe, than to see them in your office. People with serious mental illness continue to grow, to learn and to change. Group supervision All key workers meet fortnightly, in groups of four to six, to share issues related to the people they are supporting and to brainstorm possible solutions towards helping them take the next step toward goal achievement. There is also an opportunity to learn more about the model, about community resources and about approaches that can help overcome obstacles. General sharing of experiences and successes enable group members to support and encourage one-another.