Residential Treatment Programs for Juvenile Offenders | [Your Company Name]

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.