Outcomes among young adults placed in therapeutic residential care as children

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to advance knowledge concerning outcomes among the former residents of therapeutic children's homes, especially those located in England.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 16 young adults who had been resident in one of seven therapeutic homes took part in interviews.FindingsIt appeared, from the information they gave in these interviews, that their outcomes were good in terms of their emotional and behavioural well‐being, physical health, accommodation, and absence of early parenthood and substance use. Some of the young adults also had good outcomes in respect of their education and absence of criminal convictions. A small number of the young adults did less well on these latter two measures but few of them were particularly poor in either of these respects. The young adults had limited contact with their family members.Originality/valueThe evidence from this research is that young adults who have been in therapeutic residential care can have good outcomes.