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This is the 13th in a series of papers by the Association of Children’s Residential Centers (ACRC) addressing critical issues facing the field of residential treatment. ACRC is the longest standing association focused exclusively on the needs of children and youth who need residential intervention and their families. The purpose of the papers is to stimulate dialogue and self-examination among organizations, stakeholders, and the field. This paper focuses on the overarching goal for all children in out-of-home care to achieve safety, permanence, and well-being, and the role of those providing quality residential interventions in accomplishing this mission. While it particularly focuses on children and youth in the child welfare system, it is applicable to all young people and families. With residential interventions a necessary therapeutic option in community systems of care (Blau, Caldwell, & Lieberman, 2014), it is important that residential providers embrace their critical role in helping children and families move toward permanency and achieve successful outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of aftercare services for youth and families is an important topic in residential care. Focus groups were conducted with seven service professionals working with youth in residential care in the United States. Providers responded to two questions: Based on your involvement in residential care 1) what barriers do providers experience when trying to access aftercare services for youth who are departing residential care; and 2) what solutions have providers attempted or recommended to overcome barriers so that aftercare services are made available to youth? Common themes for barriers included: 1) Youth/Family barriers to engagement; 2) Aftercare programming issues and concerns; 3) State, local, and agency policy; 4) Lack of funding; and 5) Lack of interagency collaboration. Common themes for solutions included: 1) Continuity of care; 2) State, local, and agency policy recommendations; 3) Family engagement; 4) Funding solutions; 5) Discharge planning; 6) Agency collaboration; and 7) Technology. Study limitations, future research, and implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There are many young people from troubled backgrounds today in residential treatment care facilities. However, the majority of the residential care facilities do not offer the type of services required to have the desired impact on young people. In an attempt to contribute to this gap this study used a qualitative methodology to explore the retrospective experiences of youths who attended a faith-based residential treatment facility in the southern region of the United States. Findings suggest that program atmosphere, staff, punishment practices, counseling, spiritual development, and re-entry issues are important elements of the efficacy of residential care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth-guided care is an important aspect of improving residential treatment in all settings. This paper, authored in collaboration with youth, identifies key aspects of implementing youth-guided care in residential settings. It address practices that can be used at entry, during the course of treatment, and at discharge, and also identifies systemic approaches that will enhance organizational climate and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children served in residential treatment often present with behaviors and issues emanating from complex developmentally traumatic experiences. Implementing trauma informed practices is critical for successful treatment outcomes. This paper from the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers conceptualizes traumatic stress in the context and identifies strategies and practices at the organizational, environmental, programmatic and individual treatment levels that are responsive to the needs of these children and youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses residential treatment for children and young people in the U.S.