The boys town residential treatment center: Treatment implementation and preliminary outcomes

Describes a well specified residential treatment model, and presents preliminary outcome data. The Boys Town Psycho-Educational Model (PEM) empowers direct care staff to be important treatment agents by training them to use systematic teaching techniques. Data obtained on youth served at the center since its inception in December 1995 indicate that they have had multiple prior placements and serious psychiatric disorders. The model sustains an active and positive treatment environment as documented by high levels of focused treatment. To date, 94% of the youth have departed to placements that were equal to, or less restrictive than their placements at admission. Of those who had Children's Global Assessment Scale ratings at admission and at discharge, 84% (n=21) had better functioning at discharge. (Original abstract - amended)