Describes a state of Oregon experimental program demonstrating a multidisciplinary team approach to dealing with severely emotionally disturbed youth (aged 6-17) in a residential care setting. Those treated were physically dangerous. Varied therapies were used, with frequency of review emphasized. Coordination of public and private resources and…

A Special Behavior Unit provided short-term residential treatment to persons with mental retardation who displayed severe maladaptive behavior. Program evaluation data indicated decreases in frequency of targeted behaviors during clients' residence. Post-discharge follow-up data indicated that 40 percent showed at least adequate adjustment and…

A perspective is suggested for operating and maintaining an environment capable of providing sexual education and expression for children in a residential center for disturbed children. Considered are: (a) the role of staff selection, (b) ways of modeling behavior in the life space, (c) tactics involved in information seeking and information…

The residential treatment program described here emphasizes the involvement of parents in their children's treatment. Positive findings from a follow-up study suggest that parental involvement is directly related to children's treatment gains. (Author)

Mothers of normal children used more extreme categories when rating positive aspects of their children than did fathers. Mothers of maladjusted children and female child care workers who rated maladjusted children did not show this difference when compared to fathers or male child care workers. (Author/BB)

Alternative programs need to offer troubled and troubling students alternatives to punishment, expedient control, and rejection. This article demonstrates how the alternatives of building trusting relationships and effective, empathic communication can provide the re-education to improve a child's life.

The State of the Science conference was held in May, 2007 as part of the ongoing series of national conferences, "Building on Family Strengths," conducted by the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health at Portland State University. The theme of this State-of-the Science conference was "Effective…

This paper introduces a strategy for increasing the use of behaviorally descriptive language by child care workers in an intensive residential treatment unit. The project's broader goal was to improve behavioral diagnosis and documentation of critical incidents. Critical incidents were commonly documented using inappropriate slang and jargon terms…

This manual provides an on-the-job basic orientation and training program for beginning child care workers. Content areas covered were selected by child care worker supervisors as being the most troublesome for trainees adjusting to group care responsibilities. The training program is divided into two main parts. The first part consists of an…

The characteristics of the current population of group care institutions, residential treatment centers, and group homes and the impact of these characteristics on the nature and degree of problematic behavior were the focus of this survey. In May 1978, an extensive questionnaire was sent to 168 agencies. The questionnaire sought information…

This study examined placement stability (planned discharge) among 8,933 children and adolescents admitted into residential treatment facilities in California. Reducing multiple placements among foster children is a concern for child welfare agencies due to increased emphasis on federal and state outcomes and accountability standards. The results…

"Disruptive" vocal behaviour is common in nursing homes, but presents significant management challenges. Non-pharmacological approaches have been found to be effective and preferable interventions in such situations. A case study is presented of an 85-year-old woman who displayed frequent screaming and calling out during personal care…

Examined for 2 years behavior development in 200 Dutch juveniles with serious behavioral difficulties admitted for residential treatment. Found juveniles finishing treatment as planned developed comparably to Dutch adolescents in general population; those leaving prematurely had further developmental difficulties. Noted treatment features…

A multi-faceted training package for inappropriate social behavior was evaluated with five children with mild mental retardation and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a residential program. Residents were individually trained in self-management skills with video feedback. Direct-care staff also received training. Although staff increased…