NCJ Number
147527
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 29-40
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The case example of a British adolescent who has been in residential care away from his parents for several years is used to illustrate the issues involved in assessing the quality of a young person's life.
Abstract
At age 15, Steve broke into a house, started breaking furniture, tried to start a fire, and attacked a neighbor. Steve was placed in local authority care and received treatment for 18 months in a maximum security center. While there, Steve revealed that he had been sexually abused by his stepfather and several other relatives over a 5-year period. He explained that he wanted to destroy his own home. Through careful counseling and supervision, he gained insight into his offense, displayed remorse for his actions, and was released into the community. Although his care experience initially seemed unpleasant, it provided many benefits and was clearly better than imprisonment, the alternative. Nevertheless, research on children in residential care reveals that many issues must be addressed. It is difficult to establish criteria to evaluate situations. In addition, the measures are relative to individuals' circumstances and social contexts, and criteria tend to become dated. Nevertheless, the quality of life for children in care is an ethical issue that must receive attention. 16 references (Author abstract modified)