TREATMENT FOSTER-CARE PROGRAMS - A REVIEW OF EVALUATION RESEARCH AND SUGGESTED DIRECTIONS

Since 1970 treatment foster care (TFC) programs have been developing o s a service for children and youths in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Findings of 11 evaluation studies from these count ries show that TFC programs successfully served youths experiencing se rious problems in living. Youths experienced positive in-program chang es; most family care placements were completed as planned. Youths who were discharged from TFC care programs compared favorably with youths discharged from other settings. Furthermore, TFC programs were less co stly than other programs. Findings also indicated a need for more inst itutional programs far the youths. Implications far future TFC evaluat ions ore discussed.