Citation

Pandiani J, Maynard A, Schacht L. J. Child Fam. Stud. 1994; 3(1): 41-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/BF02233910

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although the concept of a system of care for children and adolescents with a severe emotional disturbance has become core to treatment philosophy, very little research has focused on systems of care as systems. This article attempts to contribute to the development of a systems research paradigm in children's mental health as well as to add to the substantive knowledge of utilization of and movement between residential options in a statewide multiagency service delivery system. Information on residential placement gathered at six month intervals over a three year period is used to develop a mathematical model of the system of care. This model can help administrators to predict future needs for residential care, and to project probable outcomes of alternative strategies for meeting the needs of these children and adolescents.