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Predicting elopement from residential treatment centers
S Kashubeck1, S M Pottebaum, N O Read
1Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Young patients who elope from residential treatment often have a history of running away, suspected sexual abuse, affective disorders, and parental rights termination. These factors can predict elopement risk at admission.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Residential Treatment Centers
- Behavioral Health
Background:
- Elopement from residential treatment poses significant risks to vulnerable youth.
- Identifying predictors is crucial for targeted interventions and improving patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine key predictors of elopement in young patients within residential treatment settings.
- To assess if patient characteristics at admission can forecast elopement likelihood.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed.
- Runaway patients were matched with a sample of non-runaway patients.
- Patient histories and diagnostic information were analyzed.
Main Results:
- History of elopement was a significant predictor.
- Suspected history of sexual abuse increased elopement likelihood.
- Affective disorder diagnosis and parental rights termination were associated with higher elopement rates.
Conclusions:
- Elopement risk in residential treatment is predictable.
- Patient characteristics documented at admission are valuable for forecasting elopement.
- Early identification of these predictors can inform risk management strategies.