Our Evidence Briefs outline practices that can be integrated into program design, development, and evaluation. Visit our Good Youth Work Practices section to learn more!

Youth living in group homes rely on adults across multiple systems – including education, child welfare, health, and residential care – to create a sense of safety and predictability. Too often, these systems operate separately, without coordination, focused on supervision and rule compliance.

This Evidence Brief defines key terms and summarizes strategies to shift youth group home environments from rule-driven and compliance-focused to dignity-centered. Moving from surveillance to the promotion of coordinated, dignity-centered care will help to ensure that young people can heal, grow, and have their full humanity recognized.

Developed by Kenneth Ajila, Youth Worker, Education Assistant, and Research Assistant at YouthREX.