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Residential Facilities for Treating Substance Abuse Problems Among Adolescents in the United States

NCJ Number
107073
Author(s)
P M Johnson; D M Pappenfort
Date Published
1987
Length
108 pages
Annotation
Using 1981-1982 data from a national survey of residential group care programs for children and youth, this report analyzes programs for children with alcohol and drug abuse problems.
Abstract
In 1981, 62 such facilities were identified, most operated by private organizations. Criteria for hiring staff used by most facilities included formal education; appropriateness for position; previous experiences, particularly with children; and personal experiences similar to youth in the program. In most facilities, child care workers were involved in supervision, living arrangements, and all forms of treatment and planning. Of residents, 68.8 percent were male, nearly 50 percent were 16 to 17 years old, and about 75 percent were white. In addition to drug and alcohol abuse, the large majority of residents showed emotional disturbance and behavior problems, difficulties in peer relationships, and family problems. Regular group or individual therapy was provided to residents by 85 percent of facilities, with social workers being the most frequently employed professionals. Counseling techniques used covered a broad spectrum, including reality therapy, peer counseling, behavior therapy, and social casework. 28 footnotes and 57 tables.