Title Assessing the Needs of Victimized Adolescents in Therapeutic Residential Care in Spain
Authors Águila-Otero A. , FERNÁNDEZ ARTAMENDI, SERGIO, González-García C. , del Valle J.F.
External publication No
Means Child Adolesc. Soc. Work J.
Scope Article
Nature Científica
JCR Quartile 3
SJR Quartile 2
JCR Impact 1.70000
SJR Impact 0.48700
Web https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85135336959&doi=10.1007%2fs10560-022-00867-z&partnerID=40&md5=6fbee55c888e359e867e5786493e2318
Publication date 04/08/2022
ISI 000836094700001
Scopus Id 2-s2.0-85135336959
DOI 10.1007/s10560-022-00867-z
Abstract Children and adolescents in residential care often present with emotional and/or behavioral problems associated to previous adverse experiences such as abuse and neglect. Consequently, child welfare systems have developed therapeutic residential care (TRC) programs to address the most complex needs of this population. The aim of this study is to explore the characteristics of youths in TRC comparing them with those of youth in general residential care (GRC), and to detect the factors predicting referral to TRC programs. The sample consisted of 900 adolescents aged 12–17 years old (M = 15.57; SD = 1.33; 66.2% boys), from General Residential Care (n = 554) and Therapeutic Residential Care (n = 346). Profile information was collected through official files and an ad hoc questionnaire. Mental health problems were evaluated using the youth self-report (YSR). Significant sociodemographic differences were found between groups. Also, a higher frequency of emotional abuse and neglect, worse mental health, more breakdowns in child welfare measures and risk behaviors were found among adolescents in TRC. Sociodemographic and familial characteristics, features of the protective process and risk behaviors were associated to referral to TRC programs. Youths in GRC and TRC present with mental and behavioral problems that make it necessary to implement prevention programs and early detection procedures. Screening and evaluation of youth’s mental health and establishment of concrete criteria are suggested to ensure appropriate referral to the most suitable resource according to the individual needs of adolescents. © 2022, The Author(s).
Keywords Child care; General residential care; Mental health problems; Risk behaviors; Therapeutic residential care
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