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Does Model Matter? Examining Change Across Time for Youth in Group Homes.
Elizabeth M Z Farmer1, Heather Seifert2, H Ryan Wagner3
1Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
The Teaching Family Model (TFM) group homes show better long-term results for youth mental health treatment compared to eclectic models. While initial improvements were similar, TFM homes fostered sustained positive outcomes post-discharge.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Behavioral Health Services
- Psychosocial Interventions
Background:
- Group homes are common but debated settings for treating youth mental health issues.
- Evidence suggests specific group home models may yield better youth outcomes.
- Limited research exists on comparative effectiveness of different group home treatment approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of the Teaching Family Model (TFM) versus eclectic group home models for youth mental health.
- To examine treatment outcomes during and after group home placement.
- To identify factors influencing treatment success in group home settings.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal quasi-experimental study design.
- Inclusion of 554 youth in group home settings.
- Comparison of outcomes between TFM and non-TFM (eclectic) group homes.
Main Results:
- Youth demonstrated rapid initial improvement in group homes, irrespective of model.
- The Teaching Family Model (TFM) was linked to continued improvement post-discharge.
- TFM homes were associated with significantly better outcomes at 8 months post-discharge.
Conclusions:
- The Teaching Family Model (TFM) demonstrates superior long-term effectiveness for youth mental health.
- Sustained positive outcomes post-discharge highlight the benefits of TFM.
- Further research is needed to understand key practices for maximizing youth outcomes.
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