ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly examines what is known about the incidence of maltreatment in out-of-home, group care placements: residential institutions, group homes, shelter facilities, and the like. It focuses on three related considerations in an overall strategy to prevent institutional maltreatment: the function of training; the function of evaluation; and the issue of staff peer supports. The chapter also examines a variety of intrainstitutional and extramural factors potentially relevant to the prevention of maltreatment. Many factors external to the residential environment can help to prevent the occurrence of child maltreatment. The chapter discusses three factors: the function and forms of family involvement; strategies for community liaison; and citizen review. Efforts to prevent institutional maltreatment will be strengthened by supporting state, national, and provincial childcare work associations who are struggling to improve pay, training, and working conditions for child and youth care workers. Finally, the chapter includes practical suggestions for parents, child and youthcare staff, and citizen advocates.
