Treatment and treatment outcomes in children's homes

A follow-up study of 141 young people in 48 children's homes examined changes in their moods, relationships with their family and adjustment. The average scores of the group on these variables changed little between first interview and follow-up 6–9 months later. However, some individuals improved and others deteriorated. Improvements in family relationships were more likely in homes where the head of home could describe strategies for fostering family ties. Improvements in adjustment were also more likely in homes where the head of home could articulate ways of enabling change in key areas of the residents' lives. Residents who spoke of attempts to bully them were more distressed at the time of the first interview and less adjusted at follow-up. The study underlines the damaging effects of bullying and the key role of the head of home.