Residential treatment as long-term treatment: An examination of some issues

An introduction to this journal issue on residential treatment as long-term treatment (see related abstracts in this section of SOOPDA 16:1), addressing the lack of knowledge about the consequences of either restricting or eliminating long-term residential treatment for seriously disturbed children & adolescents. Three themes are explored: (1) It is unclear whether residential treatment, short- or long-term, is the best way to treat emotionally disturbed children. (2) Intensity of treatment may not necessarily vary with longevity of treatment, & may depend on the child's problem. (3) The discussion of residential treatment should be framed with emotional as well as technocratic considerations. 19 References. M. Pflum