GROUP HOME STUDY - REPORT ON THE SYMPOSIUM

• NCJ Number: 49668
• Author(s): A L SHOSTACK
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; Citizen's Cmtte for Children of New Jersey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: PROCEDINGS OF THE SYMPOSIUM ON THE GROUP HOME STUDY, EAST BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY, OCTOBER 21, 1977

Annotation

THIS BRIEF REPORT SUMMARIZES A SYMPOSIUM SPONSORED BY THE CITIZENS COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN OF NEW JERSEY TO GATHER DATA ON POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND NEEDS OF GROUP HOMES IN NEW JERSEY AND TO REVIEW A STATE REPORT.

Abstract

REPRESENTATIVES OF 17 PRIVATE AGENCIES WHICH OPERATE 20 GROUP HOMES OR RELATED FACILITIES FOR TROUBLED CHILDREN (THE MAJORITY OF ALL SUCH HOMES IN THE STATE) ATTENDED THE SYMPOSIUM ALONG WITH STATE YOUTH SERVICES OFFICIALS AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT PLANNING AGENCY. THEY DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM OF TURNOVER OF GROUP HOMES AND STAFF, COMMUNITY RELATIONS, INITIAL FUNDING AND OPERATING COSTS, THE INTAKE PROCESS, STAFFING, STRUCTURING THE THERAPEUTIC MILIEU. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, AND AFTERCARE. MAJOR PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED WERE THE LACK OF UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION AMONG CASEWORKERS WITH CONSEQUENT INAPPROPRIATE PLACEMENT, LACK OF CONSISTENT FUNDING, AND A NEED FOR IMPROVED STAFF SKILLS. THE AGENCIES ALSO NEED TO DO MORE PREPARATORY WORK WITH FAMILIES OF YOUTHS PLACED IN THE HOMES. AFTERCARE ALSO NEEDS TO BE STRENGTHENED. VARIOUS STYLES OF THERAPY ARE DISCUSSED. FURTHER RESEARCH TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS OPERATING POLICIES AND TREATMENT APPROACHES IS SUGGESTED. A LIST OF PARTICIPANTS AND THE SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE ARE APPENDED. (GLR)