What works in group care? — A structured review of treatment models for group homes and residential care

This paper presents findings from a structured review of treatment models that are relevant to group care and residential treatment settings for children involved with the child welfare system. Initiated and guided by The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, five treatment models — Positive Peer Culture, Teaching Family Model, Sanctuary Model, Stop-Gap Model, and Re-ED — were reviewed for effectiveness. In this paper, each model's treatment features are described and relevant outcome studies reviewed in terms of their effectiveness as well as relevance for child welfare practice. Findings indicate that four of the models are either supported or promising in terms of evidence for effectiveness. Implications for group care practice and research are discussed.

Research Highlights►Structured review of treatment models relevant to group care for children involved with the child welfare system. ►Five treatment models were identified and reviewed for effectiveness: Positive Peer Culture, Teaching Family Model, Sanctuary Model, Stop-Gap Model, and Re-ED. ►Paper describes each model's treatment features and relevant outcome studies. ►Four of the models are either supported or promising in terms of evidence for effectiveness.