Predictors of out-of-home placement following residential treatment

Objective: There is a lack of research examining predictors of out-of-home placement (OOHP) following residential treatment (RT). The current study examined how various child and family factors predict OOHP at discharge and 6-months post-discharge for a RI sample. Methods: Three hundred and eighty-three children (11.92 years, SD= 2.63, 293 boys) with serious mental health disorders were assessed using the Brief Child and Family Phone Interview (BCFPI) and placement information forms at admission, discharge, and 6-months post-discharge from RT. Results: OOHP at discharge was predicted by older age, OOHP at admission, child welfare involvement, deliberate self-harm, a history of physical abuse, neglect, witnessed domestic violence, and a poor family situation (p<.05). At 6-months post-discharge, OOHP was predicted by dual diagnosis, OOHP at admission, child welfare involvement, neglect, and witnessed domestic violence (p<.05). Conclusions: Pre-treatment factors are predictive of OOHP following RT. Identifying these key predictors and developing permanency planning options for children to promote stability and consistency is essential. A systemic evidence-based approach is imperative in promoting resilience for children at risk of OOHP, including family intervention and collaboration with the community. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.