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Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Treatment Centers
Placing your child in a Residential Treatment Center is a complex and expensive process. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is an RTC?
Residential Treatment Center’s (RTC) are facilities that provide 24 hour 7 day a week therapeutic care for children with emotional, psychological and behavioral disorders. Many of these facilities transitioned from orphanages into treatment centers. Most centers include medication management, therapeutic treatment and appropriate schooling for children with severe mental and emotional issues. On-site psychiatric services are provided at some centers, but not all.
Why is someone placed in an RTC?
- Severe emotional disturbance
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Severe family or school problems
- Abuse
How long do children stay at an RTC?
- 13.6 months for boys
- 12.3 months for girls
How big is a typical RTC?
- 2/3rds of RTC’s operate a single campus-based program
- 57 beds average
- 1/3rd of RTC’s are multi-site programs
- 118 beds average
- 2/3rd serve both boys and girls
Who is being treated in an RTC?
- 13% of children under 10 years old
- 22% of kids are 11-25 years old
- 52% of kids are non-Hispanic, white
- 30% of kids are African American
- 10% of kids are Hispanic
- 4% Native American
- 1% Asian
- 3% other
Where do children come from when they enter an RTC?
- 25% Home
- 18% Foster Home
- 18% Hospital
- 15% Juvenile Hall or Emergency Shelter
- 13% Another RTC
- 8% Group Home
How many children are in RTC's?
According to Children’s Mental Health Journal (Summer 2003) the latest findings as of 1997 showed 42,000 children in RTC placement. That number is currently estimated at more than 50,000 children.
What is the national cost?
According to a 1999 Report by the Surgeon General, although only 8% of children ever use an RTC, nearly 30% of the national spending on children’s mental health is paid for these services.