Provider Perspectives on Outcome Goals for Children's Day Treatment

I describe service provider perspectives regarding outcome goals of children's day treatment and their ideas for how to make day treatment programs successful in achieving stated outcomes. Respondents were direct service staff from ten day treatment programs in one county in Washington state. Data were obtained through nominal group process methods. The primary outcome goals of day treatment reported were: community re-integration, improved adaptive functioning skills, psychological growth, and improved family functioning. Aspects of day treatment that may help achieve outcome targets included: team quality; comprehensive programming; a consistent, safe, accepting program environment; an individualized, developmental approach; linkages with other services; family involvement, and a low staff-to-client ratio. Outcome goals are discussed relative to those described within the research literature on children's mental health services. Implications for the use of outcome goals for quality improvement are described.