The purpose of the Siret Group Home project is to develop a model to transition older children from the institution into the community. Children were placed within the group home in November 1999 following assessment of growth, physical findings and development. Follow-up assessments are being done yearly. Data collected from these evaluations will be used to:
- Determine and document the detrimental effects of long-term institutionalization in the areas of physical growth, behavioral development and acquisition of life skills.
- Determine whether independence is a realistic goal for older children after a lifetime of institutional care.
- Determine what support services are necessary for this vulnerable population to maximize their life potential.
Preliminary Results
Preliminary results indicate that young adults institutionalized for long periods of time are not ready to live independently in the community. Transitional facilities must be developed for these vulnerable adults to provide acquisition of life skills necessary to live outside the institution. Placing youth with few life skills in communities with inadequate support services only increases the likelihood that this extremely at-risk population will be exploited.
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Last modified on Monday Nov 14, 2005
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