Residential treatment of disturbed delinquents: description of a centre and identification of therapeutic factors.

Residential treatment for disturbed, particularly delinquent, adolescents has been described several decades ago by the founders and leaders of institutions. Theoretical considerations in treatment were prominent. The importance of structured milieu and the control of aggression came to acquire recognition. This study describes a structured centre, known to be effective in treating disturbed delinquents, using data gathered over twelve years of clinical work, observation and research. Factors considered essential in defining this institution are isolated and made compatible with the factors indicated by Rutter in his review of the residential treatment of delinquents. These factors are being used in a further study which compares the effectiveness of different types of facilities for a range of diagnostic categories.