Problem behaviour in a Flemish therapeutic centre for children and youth with EBD : group workers, teachers and youth as different informants

In this article, we search for characteristics of youth in Flemish care institutes for youth with emotional and behavioural problems. Group workers, teachers, and youth themselves are used as different informants. Data were collected in a therapeutic centre in West Flanders, which offers residential care and day treatment. Based in individual files of all youngsters and on employee data, information regarding type of treatment, age, gender, IQ, job experience was gathered. The CBCL (Child Behaviour Checklist) was completed for each child by a group worker, the TRF (Teacher Report Form) by a teacher, and the YSR (Youth Self Report) by youths themselves. Correlations between the different informants were sought, and a profile for the children and adolescents was developed based on data from each informant. The results show the complex nature of the problem behaviour of youth in care. Disagreement between the informants was found, especially regarding internalizing problem behaviour. The need for multiple informants in clinical practice is underscored. A re-thinking of the organization of living groups in Flemish care centres is suggested