Improving the Quality of Services in Residential Treatment Facilities: A Strength-based Consultative Review Process

• NCJ Number: 230096
• Journal: Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2010 Pages: 23-40
• Author(s): Thomas W. Pavkov, Ph.D.; Ira S. Lourie, M.D.; Richard W. Hug, Ph.D.; Sesen Negash, M.S.
• Date Published: March 2010
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines how a consultative review process increased quality of care practices in all of the residential treatment facilities utilized by one jurisdiction over time.

Abstract

This descriptive case study reports on the positive impact of a consultative review methodology used to conduct quality assurance reviews as part of the Residential Treatment Center Evaluation Project. The study details improvement in the quality of services provided to youth in unmonitored residential treatment facilities. Improvements were observed in the areas of treatment planning and care, educational planning and services, and aftercare planning. Psychiatric practice improved and aversive and negative disciplinary practices were minimized. Improvement in service quality was achieved through a strength-based, consistent, and periodic consultative review process. Policy recommendations are discussed. Tables and references (Published Abstract)