The Teaching-Family Model is a model of care for troubled youth used internationally in group homes, foster care, schools, home-based treatment, and other youth and dependent adult care programs. It was developed in the 1960s through research at the University of Kansas. Researchers included Montrose Wolf and Gary Timbers. The model has been replicated over 800 times, although not all of the replications have proven effective and successful.
Overview
This model of care is based on an "organized approach to providing humane, effective, and individualized services that are satisfactory to clients and consumers. It is cost effective and replicable." The focus is using scientifically provenmethods of behaviorism known as applied behavior analysis and sometimes known as behavior modification to teach and reinforce pro-social skills and allow the individual to maintain or advance in his or her environment. Many programs across the U.S. use this model of care, including Certified sites such as , , , , , , , and . Sites are either Certified, DevelopingAgencies, or Supportive sites. Developing agencies like Children's Village undergo extensive evaluation by a Sponsor Agency before becoming a Certified Agency. Supportive agencies like may use the Teaching-Family Model but have not undergone evaluation due to company size or funding restrictions. The website of is an adaptation of the Teaching-Family Model that gives parentsworldwide free resources to help them thrive. The Teaching-Family Association is an international organization founded in 1975 to promote this model of care. More information can be found on their website.
Research
Many years of research exist on the Teaching-Family Model. In general research supports the use of Teaching-Family Homes to reducing recidivism while in program and some suggestion that it reduces post-programming. The Teaching-Family Model has been suggested as a model program for residential treatment facility and behavior modification facility.
