Children in residential treatment: A follow-up study

Abstract

Examined outcomes and service utilization among a total population of children discharged to their families from a residential treatment center (RTC) during a 3-year period. Consistent with the view that RTC treatment is frequently associated with continuing placement and dependency, the risk of replacement was 32%, 53%, and 59% by the end of the first, second, and third post discharge years, respectively. Results underscore the continuing service needs following RTC discharge and provide an example of a successful partnership between a social service agency and a university, with the goal of documenting outcomes for a high-cost high-need population.