NCJ Number
125570
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Child and youth care stands at the threshold of a development in which the movement to full professional status involves the initiation of an participation in descriptive, taxonomic, evaluative, and followup research of programs for children and youth. If progress is to be made, then there must be a fit between carefully-designed programs and clearly-defined client groups.
Abstract
This principle is illustrated by a taxonomic analysis of data on 518 residents at 2 residential centers for emotionally-disturbed children and youth. A special study has been made of 58 adopted children within this population: these 58 children can be allocated to at least 8 different groups, each identifying a different pattern of adoption breakdown and psychological need in the child. By identifying this pattern and the child's needs, treatment can become as individualized as possible. 2 tables, 16 references. (Author abstract modified)