Effects of Residential Treatment Centers for Adolescents on Community Stability and Safety

This study investigated the effects of residential treatment centers (RTCs) for adolescents on community stability and safety. Ten RTCs that provided care for teenage boys and girls—excluding those with known criminal, drug, or sexual problems—were selected for the study. Assessment of the impacts of these RTCs was conducted by interviewing realtors, sheriff's offices, and planning and zoning offices close to the RTCs. Results indicated that the RTCs had no major, adverse impacts on community stability or safety.