In New Zealand, as has been stated previously, the government has endorsed the use of the 'Recovery Approach' through the Blueprint document of 1998. Therefore, health professionals working in the mental health sector are encouraged to use this approach to guide their practice.
The Recovery Approach emphasises an individuals potential to recover and live a full life although their illness may still be present (Anthony, 1993).
It is important to note that the Mason Report of 1996 led to the establishment of the Mental Health Commission which created the 'Blueprint for Mental Health Services in New Zealand: How things should be' (Reed, 2006).
The New Zealand recovery principles are largely based upon the literature surrounding the consumer movement and have been redefined to fit the current New Zealand culture (Reed, 2006). The approach in New Zealand has been influenced by the Treaty of Waitangi and socio-political trends.
We also have access to a document entitled 'Recovery Competencies for New Zealand Mental Health Workers, 2001'. This document describes how mental health workers can work within the recovery principles outlineds by the recovery approach.
Within this blog I will go on to explore some of these principles, particularly in relation to occupational therapy. In the mean time, here is a link to the Recovery Competencies for New Zealand Mental Health Workers, 2001.
http://www.mhc.govt.nz/Resources/Publications/Workforce
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