Differences between boys and girls in perceived group climate in residential youth care. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sonderman, J.; Van der Helm, G.H.P.; Kuiper, C.H.Z.; Roest, J.J.; Van de Mheen, D.; Stams, G.J.J.M.
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 120(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Incarcerated girls -- Living group climate -- Gender-responsive care -- Residential youth care; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Highlights: Boys and girls differ in the perception of residential group climate. Programs in residential care should address gender specific needs. Boys need supervision and guidance for dealing with rules and restrictions. Girls need staff to be responsive to feelings and emotions. Abstract: The aim of the present study was to examine differences in perceived living group climate between boys and girls in a sample of 344 youth (68.6% male, M age = 16, SD = 1.58) receiving residential youth care in the Netherlands. Participants filled out self-report measures on living group climate. Results of multilevel regression models indicated that girls in non-correctional facilities experienced living group climate most positively, and girls in correctional facilities experienced living group climate most negatively compared to girls and boys in non-correctional facilities. We conclude that residential treatment settings should adapt gender-responsive approaches to address specific needs of girls, specifically in secure residential care. Future studies should focus on specific needs of girls to advance knowledge on how they can benefit optimally from their stay in residential care to facilitate gender-specific programming in residential youth care.