Services Provided in Residential Treatment Centers for Children

Presenter Information

Amanda Hurlbutt, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Nicole Draheim, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Eric Kuehn, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 253/4/5

Start Date

4-4-2011 9:00 AM

End Date

4-4-2011 10:30 AM

Student's Major

Psychology

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Carlos Panahon

Mentor's Department

Psychology

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

This study conducted a review of the services provided to children in residential treatment centers in order to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the services offered in Minnesota. Many of the children who are placed in residential treatment centers exhibit aggressive behaviors, delinquency, anxiety, or depression.

Evaluating the success of the programs in the residential treatment centers was difficult. There were a variety of types of residential facilities and the services provided at each vary greatly. Questions remain as to the effectiveness of the support provided for academic and social areas in the residential treatment centers.

Additional areas of concerns included costs of receiving treatment, training of staff, appropriate interventions, communication with families, and the transition back to home and school.

Additional research is recommended to develop a standardized method for developing and evaluating services to ensure overall success for the children in residential treatment centers.