Evidence-based practice, systems of care, and family engagement have become increasingly important across the continuum of child welfare services, including residential treatment. The following resources provide information to assist child-serving agencies in working with children and youth in residential care and with their families.
Best Practices for Residential Interventions for Youth and Their Families: A Resource Guide for Judges and Legal Partners With Involvement in the Children’s Dependency Court System (PDF - 1,300 KB)
Association of Children’s Residential Centers (2017)
Provides an overview of youth, ages 12–17 years old, and their families involved in a residential intervention and what legal professionals should look for in determining a safe, quality, and effective program.
Elements of Effective Practice for Children and Youth Served by Therapeutic Residential Care (PDF - 2,099 KB)
Casey Family Programs (2016)
Reviews intervention elements for effective therapeutic residential treatment and group home organizations to achieve key therapeutic and permanency goals.
The Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in Residential Care: Outcomes, Processes, and Barriers (PDF - 260 KB)
James, Thompson, & Ringle (2017)
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 25(1)
Examines outcomes, processes, and barriers related to the implementation and utilization of evidence-based practices amongst residential care providers.
Improving the Quality of Residential Group Care: A Review of Current Trends, Empirical Evidence, and Recommendations (PDF - 359)
Florida Institute for Child Welfare (2015)
Explores characteristics and trends within residential group care facilities in Florida. The report suggests that for some youth in care being in a high-quality group care organization could be lifesaving.