Publication year: 2011
Source: Children and Youth Services Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 7 May 2011
Karin S., Nijhof , Jan W., Veerman , Rutger C.M.E., Engels , Ron H.J., Scholte
The aim of the present study was to examine the treatment progress of both adolescent and their families’ functioning in a new compulsory residential treatment program. The sample consisted of 339 admitted adolescents (56.3% boys). The mean age at time of entry was 15.69 (SD=1.30). Adolescents stayed on average 9.42months (SD=4.66) in a new residential treatment program. Data on adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed using self-reports, parent reports, and group care worker reports. In addition, adolescents reported their substance use and delinquency and parents also reported family functioning and level of perceived parental stress. The findings revealed a…
Research highlights: ► Adolescents admitted to a new compulsory residential treatment program showed significant improvement in problem behavior according to the ratings of both the adolescents and parents ► According to the group care worker perceptions no improvement was found for internalizing problems, and even a worsening of externalizing problems ► Parental involvement in treatment is important, and also one of the aims of the new treatment program. However, improvement on the family level was often not included in previous studies. Our study showed no improvement on family functioning. Parental stress did show significant improvement during treatment.