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Group home parenting: An examination of the role

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Abstract

The staff role in group homes and half-way houses is psychologically demanding. Burn out and turnover are frequent; stress reactions are possible. Mental health professionals can contribute to program effectiveness and staff well-being by helping prepare persons to cope with the role stresses. Adequate preparation requires an understanding of the role experiences and their psychological implications. An initial analysis of the role is presented. The role is viewed as ambiguous, socially complex, and engendering performance fear. It requires a redefinition of the relation between work and personal life. The coping strategies of successful staff are described.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wood County Human Services Center, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

    JoAnn Behrman

  2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 209 Burnett Hall, 68588-0308, NE

    B. P. V. Sarata

Authors
  1. B. P. V. Sarata
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  2. JoAnn Behrman
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Additional information

The authors are indebted to the many group home staff who contributed to the material presented.

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Sarata, B.P.V., Behrman, J. Group home parenting: An examination of the role. Community Ment Health J 18, 274–285 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754542

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