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What Reading Research Tells Us About Children With Diverse Learning Needs

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Summary of "Residential Treatment: What the Research Tells Us"

The Harm of Residential Treatment

  • Ineffectiveness: Studies, including one by the U.S. Surgeon General, show only weak evidence of the success of residential treatment.
  • Institutional Dependence: Research indicates that many children return to institutions after discharge from residential treatment.
  • Lack of Solid Evidence: Even industry insiders acknowledge the absence of strong research supporting the effectiveness of residential treatments.

Better Alternatives

  • Wraparound Milwaukee Case Study: Demonstrates significant success in treating children in home-based settings rather than institutions.
    • Reduced Institutionalization: Achieved a 90% reduction in the number of children in residential treatment centers (RTCs).
    • Family Reunification and Cost Savings: Led to family reunifications, reduced crime, and saved millions in treatment costs.
  • Advocacy for Home-Based Care: Emphasizes the importance of supporting families and foster homes instead of relying on institutional care.

Resistance and Reform

  • Institutional Resistance: Some institutions initially resisted the shift to home-based care due to financial concerns.
  • Crisis of Conscience and Reform: Certain institutions, upon recognizing their programs' failures, reformed to focus more on family and foster home-based care.

Conclusion

  • The research and case studies emphasize the limited effectiveness of residential treatment for children and highlight the benefits of community and family-based alternatives.