Relationship Between Time in Residential Treatment and Youth Outcomes: Results from a Cross-Site 5-Year Analysis

Abstract

There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of residential treatment centers (RTCs) due to scrutiny around use of this service that is viewed as costly, restrictive, and has resulted in mixed outcome results for youth. Discrepancies exist in residential literature regarding the amount of time in treatment that is optimal for having a positive effect on youth outcomes. This study used archival data to examine the relationship between time in treatment and youth's improvement in functioning and restrictiveness of living environment in a cross-site evaluation of a large sample of youth (N = 716) who discharged from RTCs over a 5 year time period. Researchers aimed to identify an ideal time in treatment that is beneficial for youth and to add to the practice-based evidence for the effectiveness of RTCs. Results of segmented regression analyses indicate a non-linear relationship that showed a longer time in treatment predicts improvement in overall functioning and restrictiveness of living environment during the first 6 months of treatment. However there is no relationship between time in treatment and outcome variables between 6 and 10 months, and a negative relationship exists between longer time in treatment and outcome variables after 10 months in treatment. Practical implications of results can be used to inform advocacy efforts, discharge planning, and return on investment calculations.

Quality of experience in residential care programmes: Retrospective perspectives of former youth participants

“…Some evidence suggests that there may be a complex relationship between time in treatment and youth outcomes. For example, Strickler, Mihalo, Bundick, and Trunzo (2016) found a positive relationship among young people who were in residential treatment for less than 6 months. However, those in treatment between 6 and 10 months showed no significant improvement, and those in treatment for 10 months or longer showed a decrease in positive outcomes.…”

Similarities and Differences in the Psychosocial Development of Children Placed in Different 24-h Settings

“…The current policy is that a “least restrictive” and family-oriented setting is preferred, such as foster care or family-style group care (Harder et al 2013 ; United Nations 2009 , December 18). Opinions vary regarding the added value of residential care (Grietens et al 2015 ; Strickler et al 2016 ). Among the known disadvantages of residential care are its cost (Grietens et al 2015 ; James 2011 ), and its controversial effectiveness (Grietens et al 2015 ; Knorth et al 2008 ; Strijbosch et al 2015 ; van IJzendoorn et al 2011 ).…”