NCJ Number
226324
Journal
Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 289-305
Date Published
2008
Length
17 pages
Annotation
An assessment was conducted of AWOL behaviors in a population of adolescents residing in a residential treatment center (RTC).
Abstract
The results of the study show that adolescent AWOL behavior from residential treatment is a significant issue. Two-thirds of the adolescents admitted to a RTC over a period of 3 years went AWOL from residential placement at least one time. Although the majority of residents were away for a short period of time, a significant number of high-risk adolescents were away and might have been exposed to risks associated with being on the run. Having a history of substance abuse was associated with an increased risk of going AWOL. Recommendations for future research include: a replication study and assessment of the effectiveness of interventions to prevent AWOL behavior. Adolescents who are AWOL from a RTC are an essential understudied population. Considering the potential negative effects that going AWOL can have on adolescents in a RTC, it is important to identify characteristics of adolescents that increase the likelihood that they will engage in this behavior in order to develop effective prevention programs. This study assessed AWOL behavior of three consecutive entry cohorts of adolescents at a large long-term RTC in New York State. AWOL was defined as both running away from the campus and not returning from a home visit. Tables and references