Analysis of staff turnover in 75 public and 161 nonpublic residential facilities for the mentally retarded revealed strikingly higher turnover rates for nonpublic facilities, although differences were influenced by factors not directly attributable to public or nonpublic status. Results suggested the importance of staff orientation and increased…

Social climate of residential alcoholism programs was assessed using Community-Oriented Programs Environment Scale (COPES). COPES perceptions were independent of patient background, psychosocial functioning, and alcohol-related characteristics. In conjunction with previous research, results indicate perceptions of social climate of treatment…

Data were collected regarding the work performed by houseparents in residential schools for the visually/multiply handicapped. Of the 519 usable critical incidents reported, the most frequently reported group was health care activities followed by discipline tasks. (CL)

The Mars Hill College Summer Scholastics and Arts Program in North Carolina is a residential summer program for elementary and secondary students which emphasizes development of academic skills, creativity, psychomotor abilities, and social growth. (DB)

The unit management system in residential facilities for the mentally retarded is discussed in terms of positive aspects (facility size reduction, interdisciplinary team development and resource focusing) and negative aspects (such as weakening of professional identity and increased competition and conflict). (CL)

Residential workshops make a unique contribution to learning. They provide detachment and continuity, creating an atmosphere that enables breadth and depth of experience. (SK)

Examines families' perceptions about involvement in residential treatment from the viewpoints of African American and non-African American family members. Focus group interviews found that all family members shared some common positive and negative experiences. However, unique issues remained for African American caregivers. Implications for…

Surveys some major theoretical contributions to evolvement of concepts about adolescence. Outlines historical perspectives regarding development of inpatient and residential institutions, followed by brief discussions of follow-up studies evaluating both forms of treatment. Provides general overview of outcome research, focusing on underlying,…

Investigated effects of affective/cognitive empathy training program on empathy level in 24 aggressive adolescent girls in residential treatment center. Experimental group was exposed to training sessions to increase empathy levels. Posttest revealed significant positive relationships between ego development and both affective and cognitive…

Reviews research which has clarified the needs and problems of adolescents in secure units and has highlighted the relationship between provision offered in child care, penal, and health services. Discusses new research findings, particularly those arising out of studies of young people (n=104) in two youth treatment centers. (Author/ABL)

The history of residential care for persons with autism and other developmental disabilities is summarized for the past 200 years. Residential trends toward community integration in the past three decades are traced for autism in general and for the Murdoch Center in North Carolina. Possible negative side effects of current trends are identified.…

The article describes Bittersweet Farms, a rural Ohio farm community for autistic adults. The program is based on the rural, extended family community as a model and includes work components (horticulture, animal care, woodworking and carpentry, maintenance, housekeeping, food preparation), recreational activities, community integration, physical…

The article describes Benhaven, a residential program of group homes in Connecticut, which provides intensive programing for autistic and neurologically impaired children. Examined are the program's administration and management, treatment services, support services, and family and community involvement. (DB)