NCJ Number
68661
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (1978) Pages: 207-215
Date Published
1978
Length
9 pages
Annotation
THE PHILOSOPHY, FACILITIES, AND TREATMENT PROGRAM OF THE TRIANGEL, A RESIDENTIAL SOCIOTHERAPEUTIC INSTITUTION IN THE NETHERLANDS WHICH TREAT MULTIPROBLEM CHILD-ABUSING FAMILIES AS FAMILY UNITS, ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE INSTITUTE HAS ADMITTED 150 FAMILIES SINCE OPENING IN 1972. ITS TREATMENT MODEL IS STILL EVOLVING. IT HAS 6 LIVING UNITS, EACH OF WHICH HOUSES 2 TO 4 FAMILIES, OR A TOTAL OF 10 TO 12 PEOPLE. MAXIMUM STAY IS 6 MONTHS. ADMISSION TO TRIANGEL IS PART OF A LONG TERM PLAN OF SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY. FAMILY PROBLEMS ARE USUALLY MULTIPLE: CHILD BEHAVIOR, INTERPERSONAL PROBLEMS, POOR RELATIONSHIPS WITH NEIGHBORS, AND INADEQUATE WAYS OF MEETING PERSONAL NEEDS. FAMILIES' DAILY WORK AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CONTINUE DURING THEIR STAY. AT FIRST, GROUP WORKERS TAKE CARE OF THE CHILDREN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURES ON PARENTS. THE TREATMENT PROCESS INCLUDES 16 SEQUENTIAL STEPS, BEGINNING WITH CONSCIOUS PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION AND ENDING WITH DEEPENING SELF-KNOWLEDGE, READINESS FOR CONTINUING ADVICE, AND ANTICIPATION OF THE FUTURE. PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT INCLUDE PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT, WORKING THROUGH THE PROBLEM, DIAGNOSIS OF THE SITUATION, AND USE OF SUCH WORKING PRINCIPLES AS RELIEF FROM PRESSURE AND BEARING OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. INFLUENCE ON THE FAMILY OCCURS THROUGH LIVING GROUP DYNAMICS, EFFORTS OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, AND CONVERSATIONS. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE RECREATION, MATERIAL HELP, ACTIVITIES INVOLVING PHYSICAL MOVEMENT, AND MEDICAL CARE. (CFW)