Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Measuring Group Care Worker Interventions in Residential Youth Care

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Child & Youth Care Forum Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

By interacting with children, group care workers shape daily living environments to influence treatment. Current literature provides little knowledge about the content of youth residential care.

Objective

In this study, a questionnaire called the Group care worker Intervention Checklist was developed.

Method

Group care workers completed the questionnaires for 212 children placed in youth residential care in the Netherlands.

Results

Factor analyses revealed three constructs: controlling, warmth/support, and autonomy granting. Reliability of these scales proved to be good. Controlling was associated with Externalizing Behavior Problems while both Warmth/Support and Autonomy Granting were associated with Internalizing Behavior Problems.

Conclusions

These findings imply that group care worker interventions can be reliably measured and are related to child problem behavior.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Achenbach, T. M., & Rescorla, L. A. (2001). Manual for the ASEBA school-age forms & profiles. Burlington. VT: University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth & Families.

  • Achenbach, T. M., & Rescorla, L. A. (2007). Multicultural supplement to the manual for theASEBA school-age forms & profiles. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth, & Families.

    Google Scholar 

  • Albrecht, G., Veerman, J. W., Damen, H., & Kroes, G. (2001). The child behaviour checklist for group care workers: A study regarding the factor structure. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 29, 83–89. doi:10.1023/A:1005255614039.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anglin, J. P. (2002). Pain, normality and the struggle for congruence: Reinterpreting residential care for children and youth. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bastiaanssen, I. L. W., Veerman, J. W., Kroes, G., & Engels, R. (2009). Aantoonbare effectiviteit: Onderzoek naar de residentiële jeugdzorg van Entréa [Provable Effectiveness: A study concerning residential care at Entréa]. Nijmegen: Praktikon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bastianoni, P., Scappini, E., & Emiliani, F. (1996). Children in residential care: How to evaluate behavioural change. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 11(4), 459–471. doi:10.1007/BF03173284.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baumrind, D. (1971). Current patterns of parental authority. Developmental Psychology Monographs, 4, 1–102. doi:10.1037/h0030372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bentler, P. M. (1989). EQS: Structural equations program manual. Los Angeles, CA: BMDP Statistical Software.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bentler, P. M. (1995). EQS structural equations program manual. Encino, CA: Multivariate Software.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1994). Ecological models of human development. In P. Peterson, E. Baker, & B. McGaw (Eds.), International encyclopaedia of education (3rd ed.). Oxford: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Casey, K. J., Reid, R., Trout, A. L., Duppong Hurley, K., Beth Chmelka, M., & Thompson, R. (2010). The transition status of youth departing residential care. Child & Youth Care Forum, 39, 323–340. doi:10.1007/s10566-010-9106-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Catell, R. B. (1966). The scree test for the number of factors. Sociological Methods and Research, 1, 245–276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Costello, A. B., & Osborne, J. W. (2005). Best practices in exploratory factor analyses: Four recommendations for getting the most from your analysis. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 10(7), 1–9. doi:10.1.1.110.9154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cuthbert, R., St. Pierre, J., Stewart, S. L., Cook, S., Johnson, A. M., & Leschied, A. W. (2011). Symptom persistence in seriously emotionally disordered children: Findings of a two-year follow-up after residential treatment. Child & Youth Care Forum, 40, 267–280. doi:10.1007/s10566-010-9137-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frensch, K. M., & Cameron, G. (2002). Treatment of choice or last resort? A review of residential mental health placement for children and youth. Child & Youth Care Forum, 31(5), 307–339. doi:10.1023/A:1016826627406.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gieles, F. (1992). Conflict en contact: Een onderzoek naar handelingsmogelijkheden voor groepsleiders bij botsingen en conflicten in de dagelijkse leefsituatie [Conflict and contact: A study of possibilities for group care workers during collisions and conflicts in the daily living environment]. Zutphen: Delta Grafix.

  • Green, J., Jacobs, B., Beecham, J., Dunn, G., Kroll, L., Tobias, C., et al. (2007). Inpatient treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry: A prospective study of health gain and costs. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48(12), 1259–1267. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2007.01802.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hair, H. J. (2005). Outcomes for children and adolescents after residential treatment. A review of research from 1993–2003. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 14(4), 551–575. doi:10.1007/s10826-005-7188-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harder, A. T., Knorth, E. J., & Zandberg, T. J. (2006). Residentiële jeugdzorg in beeld. Een overzichtsstudie doelgroep, werkwijzen en uitkomsten [Residential youth care in the picture: A review of literature regarding target group, process and outcome]. Amsterdam: Uitgeverij SWP.

  • Hastings, R. P. (2005). Staff in special education settings and behaviour problems: Towards a framework for research and practice. Educational Psychology, 25(2–3), 207–221. doi:10.1080/0144341042000301166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Het eerste Advies van de Commissie Financiering Jeugdzorg (2009). [First advise of the Commission Financial Youth Care]. Retrieved from http://www.jeugdzorginlimburg.nl/upload/Advies%20van%20de%20Commissie%20Financiering%20Jeugdzorg.pdf

  • Holden, M. J., Izzo, C., Nunno, M., Smith, E. G., Endres, T., Holden, J. C., et al. (2010). Children and residential experiences: A comprehensive strategy for implementing a research-informed program model for residential care. Child Welfare, 89(2), 131–149.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cut-off criteria for fit indices in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6, 1–55. doi:10.1080/10705519909540118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kam, C. M., Greenberg, M. T., & Kusché, C. A. (2004). Sustained effects of the PATHS curriculum on the social and psychological adjustment of children in special education. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorder, 12, 66–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klomp, M. (1984). Het therapeutisch klimaat en de leefgroep: Mogelijkheden en grenzen [Therapeutic climate in the living Group: Possibilities and limitations]. In P. M. van den Bergh, J. D. van der Ploeg, & M. Smit (Eds.), Grenzen van de residentiële hulpverlening (pp. 101–124). Utrecht: Gravenhage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klomp, M. (1992). Hulpverlening aan adolescenten: een bijdrage aan methodiekontwikkeling in trainingscentra voor kamerbewoning [Guiding adolescents: A contribution to a methodical approach in half way homes]. Leiden: Drukkerij Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kloosterman, M. V., & Veerman, J. W. (1997). Tweede tussenrapport interventie-evaluatie onderzoek Boddaert [Second interim report intervention evaluation of the Boddaert research]. Duivendrecht: Paedologisch instituut.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knorth, E. J. (2005). Wat maakt het verschil? Over intensieve orthopedagogische zorg voor jeugdigen met probleemgedrag [What makes the difference? About intensive orthopedagogical care for children and youth with problem behavior]. In E. J. Knorth, A. E. M. G. Minnaert, & A. J. J. M. Ruijssenaars (Eds.), Verschillen onderscheiden—Orthopedagogische hulpverlening en begeleiding bij problematische opvoedings—en onderwijsleersituaties (pp. 13–43). Utrecht: Uitgeverij Agiel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knorth, E. J., Harder, A. T., Huygen, A. N., Kalverboer, M. E., & Zandberg, T. (2010). Residential youth care and treatment research: Care workers as key factor in outcomes? International Journal of Child and Family Welfare, 1, 49–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knorth, E. J., Harder, A. T., Zandberg, T., & Kendrick, A. J. (2008). Under one roof: A review and selective meta-analysis on the outcomes of residential and youth care. Children and Youth Services Review, 30(2), 123–140. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2007.09.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kok, J. F. W. (1997). Opvoeding en hulpverlening in behandeltehuizen. Residentiële Orthopedagogiek [Childrearing and care in treatment facilities. Residential orthopedagogics]. Rotterdam: Lemiscaat.

  • Lee, B. R., & Barth, R. P. (2011). Defining group care programs: An index of reporting standards. Child & Youth Care Forum, 40, 253–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J., Weaver, C., & Hroswtowski, S. (2011). Psychological empowerment and child welfare worker outcomes: A path analysis. Child Youth Care Forum. Advance Online Publication.,. doi:10.1007/s10566-011-9145-7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Libby, A. M., Coen, A. S., Price, D. A., Silverman, K., & Orton, H. D. (2005). Inside the Black Box: What constitutes a day in a residential treatment centre? International Journal of Social Welfare, 14, 176–183. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2397.2005.00357.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lundahl, B., Risser, H. J., & Lovejoy, M. C. (2006). A meta-analysis of parent training: Moderators and follow-up effects. Clinical Psychology Review, 26, 86–104. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2005.07.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maccoby, E. E., & Martin, J. A. (1983). Socialization in the context of the family: Parent-child interaction. In M. E. Hetherington & P. H. Mussen (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology, socialization, personality, and social developments (Vol. 4, pp. 1–101). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, S. C., Evans, W. P., & Williams, M. J. (2010). Social support and sense of program belonging discriminate between youth-staff relationship types in Juvenile correction settings. Child & Youth Care Forum, 39, 481–494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muthèn, L. K., & Muthèn, B. O. (1998). Mplus user’s guide. Los Angeles, CA: Muthèn & Muthèn.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nijhof, K. S., Veerman, J. W., Engels, R. C. M. E., & Scholte, R. H. J. (2011). Compulsory residential care: An examination of treatment improvement of individual and family functioning. Children and Youth Services Review, 33(10), 1779–1785. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.05.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosen, M. (1999). Treating child welfare children in residential settings. Children and Youth Services Review, 21(8), 657–676. doi:10.1016/S0190-7409(99)00045-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M. (1995). Clinical implications of attachments concepts: Retrospect and prospect. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 36(4), 549–571.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schuengel, C., Slot, W., & Bullens, R. (2009). Gehechtheid en kinderbescherming: Juridische relevantie van gedragswetenschappelijke onderzoeksbevindingen [Attachment and child protection: Legal relevance and research findings of behavioral sciences]. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: SWP.

    Google Scholar 

  • SCP/Sociaal Cultureel Planbureau. (2009). De jeugd een zorg: Ramings- en verdeelmodel jeugdzorg 2007 [Caring for youth: Estimations and dividing models for youth care 2007]. The Hague: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shealy, C. N. (1995). From Boys Town to Oliver Twist: Separating fact from fiction in welfare reform and out-of-home placement of children and youth. American Psychologist, 50(8), 565–580.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silk, J. S., Morris, A. S., Kanaya, T., & Steinberg, L. (2003). Psychological control and autonomy granting: Opposite ends of a continuum or distinct constructs? Journal of Research on Adolescence, 13, 113–128. doi:10.1111/1532-7795.1301004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slot, N. W., & Spanjaard, H. J. M. (1999). Competentiegerichte residentiële hulp voor kinderen en adolescenten [Competence-based residential care for children and adolescents]. Baarn: Intro.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soenens, B., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2010). A theoretical upgrade of the concept of parental psychological control: Proposing new insights on the basis of self-determination theory. Developmental Review, 30, 74–99. doi:10.1016/j.dr.2009.11.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steiger, J. H. (1990). Structural model evaluation and modification: An interval estimation approach. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 25(2), 173–180. doi:10.1207/s15327906mbr2502_4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van den Berg, G. (2000). Describing the residential care process: Social interactions between care workers and children according to the structural analysis of social behavior (SASB) model. Enschede: PrintParters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Helm, G. H. P., Stams, G. J. J. M., & van der Laan, P. H. (2011). Measuring group climate in prison. Prison Journal, 91(2), 158–176. doi:10.1177/0032885511403595

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Ploeg, J. D., & Scholte, E. M. (2003). Effecten van behandelingsprogramma’s voor jeugdigen met ernstige gedragsproblemen in residentiële settings [Treatment outcomes for youth with severe behavior problems in residential care]. Amsterdam: Nippo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Poel, A., Rutten, E., & Sondeijker, F. (2008). Methode Jeugdzorg plus : Méér dan gesloten jeugdzorg [Method Jeugdzorg plus : More than compulsory residential care]. Woerden: Adviesbureau Van Montfoort.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verhulst, F. C., Van der Ende, J., & Koot, H. M. (1996). Handleiding voor de CBCL/4-18 [Manual for the CBCL/4-18]. Rotterdam: Erasmus Universiteit/Afdeling Kinder- en jeugdpsychiatrie, Sophia Kinderziekenhuis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, A. (2007). Working in group care: Social work and social care in residential and day care settings. Bristol: Policy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Webster-Stratton, C., & Taylor, T. (2001). Nipping early risk factors in the bud: Preventing substance abuse, delinquency, and violence in adolescence through interventions targeted at young children (0–8 years). Prevention Science, 2(3), 165–192. doi:10.1023/A:1011510923900.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weems, C. F. (2011). Guidelines for empirical papers on group care programs. Child & Youth Care Forum, 40, 251–252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker, D., Archer, L., & Hicks, L. (1998). Working in children’s homes: Challenges and complexities. West Sussex, UK: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willems, A. P. A. M., Embregts, P. J. C. M., Stams, G. J. J. M., & Moonen, X. M. H. (2010). The relation between intrapersonal and interpersonal staff behaviour towards clients with ID and challenging behaviour: A validation study of the Staff–Client Interactive Behaviour Inventory. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54, 40–51. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01226.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zwick, W. R., & Velicer, W. F. (1986). Comparison of five rules for determining the numbers of components to retain. Psychological Bulletin, 99, 432–442.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Conflict of interest

There is no conflict of interest for any of the authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Praktikon, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Inge L. W. Bastiaanssen, Gert Kroes, Marc J. M. H. Delsing & Jan Willem Veerman

  2. Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Karin S. Nijhof & Rutger C. M. E. Engels

Authors
  1. Inge L. W. Bastiaanssen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gert Kroes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Karin S. Nijhof
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Marc J. M. H. Delsing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Rutger C. M. E. Engels
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jan Willem Veerman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Inge L. W. Bastiaanssen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bastiaanssen, I.L.W., Kroes, G., Nijhof, K.S. et al. Measuring Group Care Worker Interventions in Residential Youth Care. Child Youth Care Forum 41, 447–460 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-012-9176-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-012-9176-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation