NCJ Number
125555
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The therapeutic benefits of any child care program occur within the interactions and processes that take place throughout the activities. Many child and youth care workers have found that a well-chosen and planned activity does not always ensure success.
Abstract
Therapeutic programming consists of any activity that is designed and implemented to enhance the identified treatment goals of the individual client. The elements of therapeutic programming are client assessment, treatment goals, treatment plan, activity program, activity implementation, and evaluation. Child and youth care workers focus upon the treatment process, using programming and activities as a vehicle to meet the clients' treatment goals. The most important aspect of therapeutic programming is the process that occurs within the activity which is purely a vehicle for the process. Refocusing on the dynamics of interactions actually enlightens the treatment process, as treatment goals take precedence over programming goals. 1 figure, 2 notes, 7 references. (Author abstract modified)