Cross-Over Youth Project: Considerations for Best Practice – Group Care Settings

This tool was published by the Cross-Over Youth Project.

HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOL:

The Cross-Over Youth Project has observed the disturbing systemic issue of youth in the child welfare system incurring their first in a series of charges in out of home placement settings, particularly in group care. Youth are removed from their families as a measure of last resort to protect them from harm. However, far too many of them enter the criminal justice system through the uniquely challenging environment of group care. There is a considerable amount of resources being spent on youth in the child welfare system. Yet, many find their new environments are unwelcoming and hostile. This failure should not be the youth’s burden to bare, especially not through charges and custody.

The current policies and procedures being used in most group care settings are inadequate. There must be a collective action to change, both in environments and responses.

As a starting point to successfully meeting the needs of youth in the child welfare system, staff and operators must work together to ensure the following three principles are the foundation for the care and treatment of youth residing in their homes:

1. A trauma-informed practice.
2. A youth-centered approach.
3. Anti-oppressive practice.

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