Immigration, antisocial behaviour and psychopathology: assessment and treatment
By Alfio MAGGIOLINI.
1 Jul, 2007
In this paper I will present some data and I will share some thoughts regarding the mental health problems and the psychological treatment of young offenders, with some data about the problems of unaccompanied under 18s immigrants, a group causing great concern in Italy today.
I would then like to describe an integrated model of intervention, based on a developmental understanding of psychotherapy, according to which it is essential to aim at developing a sense of responsibility, while working with antisocial adolescents.
Finally, I would like to show that a psychoanalytic prospective may be compatible with an intervention within the penal system, while cognitive-behavioural interventions tend to be generally deemed more effective.
Our understanding of the issue comes from interventions with antisocial adolescents carried out by our team in the community and within the Juvenile Justice Services. Such provisions have been funded by the Ministry of Justice, the Lombardia Region, the Milan Hall and the Cariplo Foundation amongst others. Our experience led to the foundation of a Centre for the assessment and the treatment of antisocial behavioural disorders, funded by Milan Hall. The Centre is the result of a long standing relationship between the Minotauro, a trust working within the social field, and the Juvenile Justice Centre in Milan.
Login is required to read this article.