Describes an alternative to traditional residential care for children with behavior disorders, neuroses, bizarre behavior, or immature personality designed to maintain the child in his or her own rural community and to provide a family-type experience. (RH)

Provides a selective review of relevant research on developmental psychopathology and its relevance for group care programming; a summary overview of major themes in residential care outcome research; and suggestions for future research on group care with implications for direct practice, service organization, and policy. (TJQ)

Outlines a group-oriented residential treatment model for emotionally disturbed adolescents, aged 13-18. Key features include use of therapeutic language and value systems, delineation of developmental expectations, formation of a positive peer culture, and emphasis on the group process for both therapy and decision making. (Author/BF)