Immigrant adolescents in residential group care and treatment settings: Research and experience in the Netherlands

Increasing numbers of children and adolescents of foreign descent are being admitted to residential homes. Based on research, reviews the immigrant youngster's problems, the placement process, diagnostics, treatment, the involvement of parents, and the impact of cultural differences. Compared to indigenous adolescents, immigrant youths in residential care more often show externalized behavioral problems. It also appears to take more effort and time to find them a suitable residential setting, mainly because they seem to be more often unmotivated for treatment and more frequently engaged in antisocial or delinquent activities. Also finds several impediments to the full involvement of immigrant parents in their children's treatment. The treatment itself almost completely remains a 'black box.' Includes a comment and a rejoinder. (Original abstract - amended)