Template Matching: An Objective Approach to Placing Clients in Appropriate Residential Services

Abstract

Informal strategies for placing clients in community residential arrangements are reviewed and contrasted with a more formal, objective strategy based on the template matching procedures of Bem (Bem & Funder, 1978; Bem & Lord, 1979). Group homes (N = 14) were described in terms of the minimum adaptive behavior required for successful placement therein. They were also described in terms of the maximum maladaptive behavior tolerated. The Pyramid Scales and Part II of the Adaptive Behavior Scale were used to develop the environmental templates. Considerable variation in behavior requirements was noted among group homes. A nonsignificant correlation between adaptive and maladaptive behavior requirements shows the need to consider both types of behavior when developing placement criteria. Implications of the template matching approach for decision making and for the design of various health and human services are discussed.