NCJ Number
173421
Date Published
December 1998
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper describes treatment foster care (TFC), an alternative to corrections and group care facilities for juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Treatment foster care places juvenile offenders who require residential treatment with foster families who are trained to provide close supervision, fair limits, consistent consequences, and a supportive relationship, instead of with other delinquents. The TFC model has proven to be relatively effective when compared with other community-based treatment models. Youths have programs designed to fit their needs, problems, and strengths. Young people are not placed with others who have similar problems and may be a source of negative influence. Placement in TFC provides juvenile delinquents with a relatively nonrestrictive experience and promotes learning and adjustment in a family setting, increasing the possibility of future progress. The TFC intervention benefits from the powerful influence skilled and trained adults can have on young people who have severe delinquency problems. Tables, references