Engaging Families in the Residential Treatment Process Utilizing Family-Directed Structural Therapy

A Review of Family Therapy in Residential Settings

“…This can include the quality of the intervention services, the level of training of staff, the quality of on-site schooling, the extent to which the family is involved in the treatment process, and the availability of aftercare for the adolescents and their families (McLendon et al 2012). However, few studies report outcome data related to specific group care models (James 2011).…”

“…The literature examining family centered treatments for children and adolescents has ''become more specific, looking at the match between particular types of treatments for particular types of problems'' (Lakin et al 2004, p. 39), and although these findings argue for the potential effectiveness on youth outcomes when treatment is familycentered, there are currently no ''best practices'' or broad guidelines in terms of the specific family therapy techniques and interventions that are effective in working with this population (McLendon et al 2012). Therefore, it seems important to examine the literature more rigorously and integrate findings from a collection of research studies in order to look more specifically at the efficacy of family therapy and the specific approaches and techniques that are being used with adolescents and families in the complex setting of residential treatment.…”

“…One of the emerging approaches to conducting family therapy with youth in residential treatment is family-directed structural therapy (McLendon et al 2012). Although this is a recently developed model that has not yet been tested against scientific scrutiny, the approach shows promise in working with youth in this complex setting.…”

“…As stated by two of the founders of the model, ''this circle introduces the concept of an external boundary around the family and helps to establish the idea that adult family members are responsible for the health and well-being of family functioning within the family circle. It also introduces the concept of an internal boundary within the family circle that divides adult level issues from parenting level responsibilities'' (McLendon et al 2012).…”

“…Family members rate family functioning for five core issues: commitment, empowerment, control of self, credibility, and consistency (McLendon et al 2012). Commitment refers to the willingness of family members to work through their difficulties despite differences and conflict.…”