Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

The residential school for special needs: Selection and referral process and the therapeutic milieu

1999; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 5; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/13575279908413151

1476-489X

Josephine Gleeson,

Healthcare innovation and challenges

Abstract The present paper describes the profile of a group of thirty boys and young men who were admitted to the special residential facility St. Joseph's, Ferryhouse, Clonmel, for problem children, within the period covering January 1995 to October 1996. Factors which directly influence acceptance criteria - personal, home, school, peer and community problems - are detailed within the paper. The referral process - decision-making, referring agents, etc. - is described, as are the definitions of difficult or problem behaviour. Client needs as perceived by referring agents and key professionals in the community are then outlined. Aspects of the residential experience as they relate to the needs of the client population are described. Finally, questions are raised about bridging the gap between residential and community care.