Differences in outcome trajectories of children in residential treatment

At least three circumstances have converged to focus attention on the outcomes associated with residential treatment. First, the reduction in lengths of stay in the psychiatric hospital has resulted in residential treatment becoming the most expensive service on a per episode basis. Second, the increasing emphasis on the identification and use of evidence-based practices has potentiated interest in determining the effectiveness of program types. Finally, the use of managed care and care management strategies in support of systems of care philosophies has put pressure on reducing residential treatment expenditures to fund the expansion of community-based services. Prior research suggests that outcomes of residential treatment may not be uniform across settings. The present study used hierarchical linear modeling techniques to compare the outcome trajectories of residential treatment facilities across the state of Illinois. It was demonstrated that substantial provider profile differences in outcome do exist between facilities.