Articles

Residential Youth Care and Treatment Research: Care Workers as Key Factor in Outcomes?

Authors

  • Erik J. Knorth University of Groningen
  • Annemiek T. Harder University of Groningen
  • Anne-Marie N. Huyghen University of Groningen
  • Margrite E. Kalverboer University of Groningen
  • Tjalling Zandberg University of Groningen

Keywords:

residential care, care worker, process, outcomes

Abstract

Residential child and youth care is not only the oldest but nowadays also one of the least 'sexy' forms of assistance for children and young people in need. Among other things, questions have been raised as to the effectiveness of residential placements, especially in comparison with well-conceptualized non-residential alternatives. The empirical proof for the ascribed lack of effectiveness is small. Outcome studies indicate a moderate-high level of change, i.e. reduction of problem behaviour in children and young people. It is likely that the care and assistance provided by group care workers is a key factor in bringing about positive change. In this article we investigate care worker functioning, their job satisfaction and their working methods in this discipline. Our focus will be on the quality of the social interaction and the working relationship between child and care worker. Research points to the importance of this common treatment factor. In addition to broadening the study of outcomes, in terms of both measurement type and time, we argue for a greater emphasis in research and practice on the status and personal characteristics of residential workers, partly in relation to the needs of children in their care.

Author Biographies

Erik J. Knorth, University of Groningen

University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Annemiek T. Harder, University of Groningen

University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Anne-Marie N. Huyghen, University of Groningen

University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Margrite E. Kalverboer, University of Groningen

University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Tjalling Zandberg, University of Groningen

University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Published

2010-06-01

Issue

Section

Articles