ABSTRACT
This research assesses whether institutional treatment for children and young people at risk of developing serious behavioural problem is based on the results of assessment of the risk and treatment needs of these children and young people. The sample consists of 418 children and young people, aged nine to 22.5 years, from 14 institutions (one correctional institution, three state residential group homes, seven community residential group homes, two children’s homes and one institution for youth with multiple problems) in Croatia. Data were collected using the Croatian version of two instruments: Scholte’s risk factor questionnaire (RFQ) and Achenbach’s child behaviour checklist. The characteristics of children and young people were assessed by professional staff working in the institutions who were trained in the completion of these measures. The research aimed to find out how five groups of treatment programs differed regarding type and level of risk, as well as corresponding treatment needs. The starting hypothesis was confirmed in the sense that there are significant differences in assessed types and levels of risks of children/youth in different types of institutional treatments in Croatia. The paper discusses results as a framework for policy recommendations.
