No abstract

Article Descriptors deinstitutionalization; group home; interim placement; cost comparison; cost effectiveness; community placementThis paper discusses the placement of moderate, severely, and profoundly handicapped children from large institutions into a group home (five children) in a community setting. The child train ing and community placement model is described briefly. Emphasis is on the cost comparison of children in an institution, a group home, and a single-family residence over a five-year period.

Results are reported for 3 years of in-service training provided to managers and direct care personnel employed in community, residential, and vocational programs for developmentally disabled adults. The data demonstrate the efficacy of the training model in that 1015 (97%) of 1080 training objectives attempted were completed by the trainees at established criterion levels. Data also indicate that a high percentage of the trainees maintained skills at criterion levels.

The process of deinstitutionalization requires the development and evaluation of alternative residential facilities within a community. This paper describes two experimental group homes serving moderately and severely handicapped children. The characteristics of the homes, ages and types of children served, and the two staffing patterns used are described. The results of this 2-year study are reported in (1) effects of staffing patterns, (2) results with children, and (3) costs.