Continuity of care and outcomes in residential care: A comparison of two care giving models

Summary

This study examined differences in two residential care giving models (houseparent vs. child care worker) in providing continuity of care for youth in residential placement, and the effect that a care giving model had on selected program outcomes. Data for this research were collected in a residential facility that used both models. Youth with house parents had higher levels of continuity with caregivers than those with child care workers. Continuity of care, regardless of the caretaker, demonstrated more effect on the reduction of behavioral problems than type of caregiver. Changes in caretakers were also associated with more behavioral problems.

Keywords:

• Caretakers
• residential care
• youth
• house parents
• child care workers