A group home for youth is a type of live-in, out-of-home care placement that provides a structured, therapeutic environment in which children and youth can receive help with emotional and behavioral issues. Group homes are typically used by public welfare agencies, including juvenile justice, child welfare, and mental health, to provide care for children and youth whose specific needs are best addressed in a highly structured environment. These placements are time-limited and offer a higher level of structure and supervision than what can be provided in the home. Examples of group homes include community-based group homes for adolescents who are pregnant and parenting or residential campus facilities for children and youth with mental health or behavioral problems.
Group homes are staffed by trained personnel who provide support services to the residents. Residents of group homes are responsible for their own conduct and are bound by an agreement to follow an expected list of house rules. Group homes generally do not provide academic instruction, but rather youth will continue to attend public schools during placement. The homes may have one set of “house parents” or a rotating staff. Some therapeutic services for children and families and educational and medical services for children or youth may be provided.
Group homes are typically short-term solutions that help children and youth transition back into home life, with more independence and awareness. They can also serve as a transitional housing option for teenagers who are leaving a psychiatric treatment facility or a juvenile detention facility, but need more time in a supervised setting before returning home or living on their own. Group homes can be beneficial for children and youth who need a structured living environment and therapeutic oversight. However, placement in a group or residential care facility should only be considered once community-based services have proven ineffective.
