Residential Treatment for Juveniles

Juvenile offenders who are sentenced to actual detention are sometimes diverted into residential treatment facilities. This is dependent upon the results of psychological testing completed during or before incarceration; some juveniles are more in need of treatment than punishment.

Group Homes

• Group homes for juveniles are places in which those in need of treatment for mental disorders receive services such as educational and vocational training, therapy, medication and recreation within a home-like setting.

Hospitalization

• Some juveniles are in need of hospitalization, at least initially, to correctly diagnose and begin treatment for any underlying conditions.

Institutions

• Residential treatment consists of the juvenile living, learning and being treated for any disorders in one place. These are often county-administered. Group and individual therapy are provided, and some juveniles are able to be employed within the community as well.

Typical Facilities

• Facilities are scattered throughout most states and counties; most are able to house up to 20 juveniles or, in the case of group homes, perhaps as many as 10. Most juveniles share a bedroom with another resident , and share hall or floor bathrooms; dining rooms, lounges and recreation areas.

Length of Stay

• The average time a juvenile spends in a residential facility is usually at least three months, or sometimes more than a year. Many programs require a certain progression through their individual requirements, but most juveniles must be released when they reach the age of majority.