VisionQuest National Ltd. is a residential treatment program for troubled youth based on Native American philosophy. Its basic education model includes high expectations for all students, 90% of whom pass all subjects, with substantial gains in reading achievement. (SK)

This article offers guidelines for the modification of the living environment of adults with Down syndrome before they develop dementia in order to allow them to remain in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. These include maintaining the person's individuality; aiding his/her communication; changing supports with the course of the…

This brief article presents data on trends in costs and numbers of recipients of Medicaid served by the Intermediate Care Facility/Mental Retardation program and the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services program. A table presents the data by state and a graph shows the increasing numbers of recipients and costs. (DB)

Presents findings from a questionnaire in which inmates were queried regarding their perceptions of a residential substance abuse treatment program. Findings reveal that inmates enrolled in the first and/or third phase of the treatment tended to be more positive in their perception of program content, therapeutic atmosphere, and quality of…

Describes problems facing personnel preparation in community-based vocational and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities. Recommends plans of action to allay these problems: (1) direction and coordination of adult services; (2) assessment of providers' personnel training needs; and (3) evaluation and strengthening of…

Examined Orten and Soll's typology and Homer's conceptualization of runaways as "running from" or "running to" something; expanded context to include interactions with family and professionals. Used case study and survey of nine adolescent runaways from residential setting to explore hypotheses. Found majority ran away from…

The article describes the Eden Family of Programs (New Jersey) for persons with autism which range from temporary summer respite care services to full-time group homes. Noted are the program's history, participants, staff, schedules, programs, normalization, human rights, administration, and trustees. (DB)

Tested 149 adolescent residents of county center for juvenile status offenders. Data analysis revealed eight variables discriminating between first-time and recidivist runaways. Variables characterized recidivist runaway as urban Caucasian having previous contact with agency; staying at center average of 13.6 days; and having lower general…

Psychotropic drug-prescribing patterns for 474 adults with mental retardation residing at an intermediate-care facility were examined for a 10-year period. Results indicated a progressive, marked decrease in total psychotropic drug usage and changes in the type of drugs prescribed with overall decline in drug usage. (Author/DB)

The study sought to identify factors that influence the willingness of persons associated with 24-hour residential care to report possible abuse and neglect events. The survey of 598 respondents in five states found characteristics of the event, the resident, staff, and respondent attitudes components of a hierarchical regression model. (Author/DB)

Examined role of group therapy, specifically marathon group work, as treatment of choice for drug-addicted individuals. Explored specific behavioral characteristics of drug-addicted population in interaction with specific therapeutic factors. Findings from 12 inmates who participated in group therapy supported the treatment value of the marathon…

Describes evaluation of Daisybank, children's home to prepare adolescents to live in permanent placements. Notes that, although failing at this task, Daisybank appeared to succeed in helping majority of residents make substantial progress in accepting their deprived and disrupted lives. Suggests that home be judged by these criteria. Notes…

Examined young adult male patient (n=18) satisfaction with interior environments of three different in-patient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities: renovated Elk's Club; hospital wing; and facility built for drug and alcohol treatment. Findings indicated satisfaction declined over four-week treatment period; familiar objects were missed;…

Gathered extensive data from a detailed questionnaire from all inmates assigned to house arrest (n=156) and from all residents of a community treatment center (n=63). Compared the problems experienced by both groups, their support networks, perceived opportunities and companions, anticipated successes, and attitudes toward their corrections…

Describes a residential school environmental education program that helps students take environmental action in their schools and communities. Uses the 5R approach (Recognition-Research-Resolution-Responsibility-Revision) to action planning. Programs benefit from staff members taking the perspective of reflective practioners. (KS)