Assessing Strengths in Residential Treatment: Looking at the Whole Child

• NCJ Number: 238271
• Journal: Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2011 Pages: 283-302
• Author(s): Sean Woodland B.S.; Rachel E. Porter; Paul A. Lebuffe M.A.
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article evaluates within-child and environmental strengths for children and adolescents admitted to residential treatment facilities (RTFs).

Abstract

This article outlines the importance of assessing both within-child and environmental strengths for children and adolescents admitted to residential treatment facilities (RTFs). Discussed are the theoretical underpinnings behind strength-based assessment, as well as a number of organizations and initiatives that aim at raising the bar for children's care, creating a holistic viewpoint. Assessments such as the BASC-2, ASEBA, and Vineland-II are well-established measures that have moved to meet these demands, and measures like the BERS-2, RSCA, and DESSA have an overt strengths orientation. The CASA and the DCASC are omnibus strengths measures that can be utilized to fill the "intake gap." (Published Abstract)