Chrysalis is Trybe’s proposed solution to working with youths presenting at-risk behaviours and possibly mental health symptoms. The service involves assessing the youths and their families’ needs, behaviours and interactions, which provide a holistic understanding of the issues. In the course of case intervention, caseworkers will engage the family in committing and supporting the process. Parents are encouraged to seek help for their own needs too.

Chrysalis adopts a collaborative approach in working with schools, employers and community partners to enhance the intervention. We believe that real change is not just behaviour modification but intrinsic motivation which results from decision making. This intrinsic motivation or decision making can only be influenced by connecting with the needs of the youth, i.e. attending to the emotions. Therefore, caseworkers will invest time in building a trusting relationship as the key foundation of the intervention. In order to achieve this, Chrysalis is designed to reach out to the youth in their organic environment as this reduces the barriers in the help-seeking process.

The service targets youths between 13 to 19 years of age with either presenting behavioural risks, psychological and emotional needs, youths who experience symptoms of a mental health condition or have been diagnosed with mental health conditions. They come from families who have tried various ways but are unable to communicate or connect with them, hence facing challenges to connect them to help channels.

Chrysalis targets to achieve the following 7 outcomes. Not all of the outcomes will be met by the client as their needs vary and the impact of intervention also differ between youths. The outcomes will be prioritized according to the needs identified during the intake and assessment phase of the service. The 7 intended outcomes are:

• Reduced offending risk behaviours
• Increased mental and emotional resilience
• Increased coping strategies and skills
• Improved familial and social interaction
• Improved network of community support (such as mental health resources)
• Increased abilities to engage with purposeful activities (i.e. school/ work/ etc.)
• Increased help-seeking behaviour