Exploring the Role of Caregiver Engagement in Post-discharge Outcomes for Residentially-placed Youth

• In Event: The Role of Family in Juvenile Court Processes, Institutional Misconduct, and Aftercare

Abstract

There has been increasing support for caregiver engagement in residential treatment for youth. Caregiver involvement in residential treatment has been demonstrated to produce better treatment and post-discharge outcomes for youth. There is also growing recognition that youth often return to the family environment, therefore necessitating family engagement to stabilize the post-discharge environment and facilitate post-discharge adjustment. The current study explores the effects of caregiver engagement in youth residential treatment on post-discharge family relationships and youth recidivism. A mix of self-report and official report data were used to explore the role of caregiver engagement on post-discharge outcomes. Caregivers were interviewed approximately 3 months after their child had been released from residential placement to reflect on their level of involvement during placement and rate the quality of various family measures since the youth had returned home. Recidivism data were supplied by the State for a 3 year period following the date of the youth’s discharge. The role of caregiver engagement in either preventing or delaying the occurrence of subsequent arrest or residential placement will be discussed.

Author

• Raquel Derrick, University at Albany, SUNY