Differences between boys and girls in perceived group climate in residential youth care

J Sonderman,J.J Roest,C.H.Z Kuiper,G.J.J.M Stams,D Van De Mheen,G.H.P Van Der Helm

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105628

J Sonderman, J.J Roest + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105628

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine differences in perceived living group climate between boys and girls in a sample of 344 youth (68.6% male, M age = 16, SD = 1.58) receiving residential youth care in the Netherlands. Participants filled out self-report measures on living group climate. Results of multilevel regression models indicated that girls in non-correctional facilities experienced living group climate most positively, and girls in correctional facilities experienced living group climate most negatively compared to girls and boys in non-correctional facilities. We conclude that residential treatment settings should adapt gender-responsive approaches to address specific needs of girls, specifically in secure residential care. Future studies should focus on specific needs of girls to advance knowledge on how they can benefit optimally from their stay in residential care to facilitate gender-specific programming in residential youth care.

Highlights

Adolescents with severe behavioral problems or who commit crimes are treated in residential youth care facilities
Results of multilevel regression models indicated that girls in non-correctional facilities experienced living group climate most positively, and girls in correctional facilities experienced living group climate most negatively compared to girls and boys in non-correctional facilities
Most youths are likely to be referred to open residential youth care facilities, where as many girls as boys live. Of this group 1,818 adolescents (Jeugdzorg Nederland, 2017) between 12 and 18 years of age have been placed in one of twelve secure youth care facilities to protect them from others who pose a threat to their development, to prevent them from self-harm or refusal of necessary care, but most of all to provide inten sive 24-hour care and effective treatment for complex problems (Van der Helm, Kuiper, & Stams, 2018)

Summary

Introduction

Adolescents with severe behavioral problems or who commit crimes are treated in (secure) residential youth care facilities. Most youths are likely to be referred to open (non-correctional) residential youth care facilities, where as many girls as boys live Of this group (in 2013) 1,818 adolescents (Jeugdzorg Nederland, 2017) between 12 and 18 years of age have been placed in one of twelve secure (non-correc tional) youth care facilities (called YouthcarePlus) to protect them from others who pose a threat to their development, to prevent them from self-harm or refusal of necessary care, but most of all to provide inten sive 24-hour care and effective treatment for complex problems (Van der Helm, Kuiper, & Stams, 2018). The ultimate aim of residential treatment for youth is to learn to get along with others, to (re)start schooling, to develop prosocial attitudes, to reduce internalizing and externalizing problem behavior, delinquency, substance use, and prevent re-victimization (Van der Helm et al, 2018; Vermaes & Nijhof, 2014)

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