Philosophy

IrisZorg philosophy builds on the national philosophy, and basic principles of addiction care, shelter and social support. All Dutch addiction care centres have contributed to this philosophy on addiction care, and the text thereof was laid down in July 2006 by the Board of the GGZ-Nederland branch organization. The philosophy on shelters and social support derived from the national views determined by the Federatie van instellingen voor maatschappelijke opvang (Federation of Shelters and Social Support Institutions).

Basic Principles of Sheltered Housing and Social Support Treatment Services
We promote shelter and social support in order to allow vulnerable civilians to participate in our society. Based on the fact that not everyone is capable of taking part as a full member in society in normal living and working conditions, shelter and social support programs and facilities are aimed at coaching and supporting its clients towards an adequate integration into social networks. The client and his/ her capacities are central within the sheltered housing and social support philosophy.

Basic Principles of Addiction Care Treatment Services
Addiction care is based on the so-called bio-psychosocial model, meaning that addictions problems always comprise a complex coherence between biological, psychological and social aspects. Therefore, in addiction care, neither a medical-psychiatric approach, nor a psychosocial approach will suffice. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed, because in addiction care, various healthcare fields interact, such as mental health care and somatic care, public healthcare, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Both addiction care treatment services and shelter and social support services not only affect the client, but also his immediate environment, and ultimately society at large. Therefore these facilities must also gear their activities toward the client's immediate environment (i.e. family, relatives, partners, friends). On the one hand they can be part of the problem the client finds himself in. Then, it is important to get the client back into society through professional help, by placing him out of his immediate environment in inpatient clinics if necessary or semi-residential treatment services.
On the other hand the burden the client's problems poses for their immediate environment must be acknowledged as well. By making them part of the treatment process, the client's recovery can sometimes be augmented.

Philosophy on the Combination of Addiction Care Treatment Services, Sheltered Housing and Social Support Services
Through the unique combination of different therapies, sheltered housing and social support, IrisZorg is able to ensure a broad range of care. For a wide region the organization operates as a specialist in the field of addiction therapies. In addition, IrisZorg offers a range of activities in the field of social support, reintegration, prevention, information supply, and monitoring.
IrisZorg focuses on individuals who need short or long term support, in order to keep, rehabilitate or compensate their ability to function independently, depending on the client's specific situation. IrisZorg focuses on coaching clients, their relatives and other people within their direct environment, and supporting them in their reintegration process towards being able to live as independently as possible.

IrisZorg facilities are located in communities, in order to enhance the clients' opportunities to participate within in these local communities. Therapy and coaching are offered in specialized clinics and outpatient clinics, and various sheltered housing and support facilities. In addition, clients are visited within their own environment. Moreover, daytime activity programs are offered, including working in 'care' farms, garden centres, workshops and printing establishments.
IrisZorg has strong views on supporting their clients after their initial recovery through rehabilitation, reintegration and aftercare services.