Office of Children and Family Services

Staff Study: Short-Term Residential Programs

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) operates and maintains several facilities for the custody and treatment of troubled young people placed in its care by the courts. In 1992, OCFS established a six-month residential program using military protocols and a four-month residential program based on wilderness training. We examined the effectiveness of these two short-term residential programs. We found that, according to recent research, both programs have the potential to reduce recidivism. Since the programs require young people to spend less time in a facility, and accordingly cost less than traditional treatment programs, we encouraged OCFS officials to consider expanding both programs. However, we also noted that improvements were needed in the aftercare counseling services provided by both programs, as the number of contacts made by counselors after the young people completed the programs and re-entered their communities often did not meet the standards established by OCFS.

For a complete copy of Report 2001-D-5 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.
For a copy of the associated follow-up report click here.