An Impressionistic Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Residential Treatment Facility for Emotionally Disturbed Youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Providing each resident with an opportunity to learn through discussions of here-and-now experiences is the meaning of Milieu Therapy. The focus of the treatment process for the disturbed adolescent is the acquisition of skills and beliefs that result in adaptive behaviours. From our “in-house” program evaluation of Haydon Youth Services, I want to illustrate that qualitative research or using naturalistic, descriptive and a phenomenological approach in combination with a questionnaire is effective in describing some of the salient patterns of interactions within the milieu. As a formative study of the stakeholder's perceptions of the program, I want to relate personal accounts, attitudes and opinions about the treatment experience and how these influenced programmatic changes