Perspectives on Factors Impacting Youth’s Reentry into Residential Care: An Exploratory Study

Authors

Stacy-Ann A. January, University of South CarolinaFollow
Alexandra L. Trout, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Jacqueline Huscroft D’Angelo, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Kristin L. Duppong Hurley, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Ronald W. Thompson, Boys Town National Research Institute for Child and Family Studies

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2018

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1093-5

Abstract

Multiple placements in therapeutic residential care is expensive, and is associated with poor outcomes; thus, identifying barriers to successful reintegration into the home and community school settings is essential for developing appropriate post-discharge supports, and reducing societal costs. Participants were seven youth (four female; three White/Caucasian, one Black/African American, one Hispanic/Latino, two multi-racial) recently readmitted to a therapeutic residential care program and five of their primary caregivers (four female; four White/Caucasian, one Black/African American). Through semi-structured interviews with caregivers and youth, this exploratory study investigated (1) the perceptions of preparedness for the youth’s successful transition from therapeutic residential care to the home setting, (2) the post-discharge factors that contributed to the youth’s return to care, and (3) the lessons learned about the youth’s transition from therapeutic residential care to home. The results of this exploratory, qualitative study revealed rich information about youth and their caregivers’ perspectives about their experiences prior to returning to care, such as the importance of healthy relationships (family and peers), transition planning, and post-discharge supports at the individual, family, and school levels.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

No

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Child and Family Studies, v. 27, p. 2584-2595

Scholar Commons Citation

January, Stacy-Ann A.; Trout, Alexandra L.; D’Angelo, Jacqueline Huscroft; Duppong Hurley, Kristin L.; and Thompson, Ronald W., "Perspectives on Factors Impacting Youth’s Reentry into Residential Care: An Exploratory Study" (2018). Educational and Psychological Studies Faculty Publications. 245.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/esf_facpub/245