PALM is a residential program for young people aged 13-18 with serious alcohol, or other drug-related difficulties.
The up to three-month program (with up to twelve months continuing care) aims to help young people to build the skills to manage their own lives effectively. The rationale behind PALM is that it is not enough to simply aim to reduce or eliminate drug use. Drug use is tied to other aspects of people’s lives – so sorting out the drug use itself is ineffective if the other areas that contribute to pr
oblematic drug use are not dealt with. A holistic perspective is necessary to make sure any change in a person’s drug use is positive and sustainable. As a result, each program addresses issues such as employment, training, relationship building, mood management, personal growth and development, and teaches relapse prevention skills. PALM provides a safe, homely environment within which young people are supported through this difficult journey. The program addresses the needs of young people at all levels including personal, social, vocational or educational, living skills and sport and recreation. PALM is based on leading research conducted in partnership with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC). Each young person has an individual plan tailored to his or her particular needs based on a thorough assessment. Young people are offered extensive group work, individual counselling, family therapy, living skills and vocational/educational help. After completing the Ted Noffs Foundation PALM program, young people have shown significantly reduced criminal activity, reduced harmful drug use, increased involvement in training and employment, increased stability in their accommodation and better family relations.
