Service needs of severely disturbed children.

Abstract

As one piece of a statewide Children's Mental Health System Analysis conducted in Washington State, the specific service needs of severely emotionally disturbed children were investigated. The primary case-workers of 3398 children under the care of the state responded to a survey of the child's treatment history, social and clinical condition, and service needs. Service need data on the 2455 children in the sample who were classifiable as severely emotionally disturbed were examined using log linear analysis. School- and home-based services were frequently reported needs of school-aged children. Adolescent children were reported to be in need of services which prepare them for adulthood. Services endorsed for female children tended to focus on assistance to family members, therapy, and protection, whereas services endorsed for male children focused on home removal, substance abuse treatment, and preparation for employment. Severely emotionally disturbed children are in need of a variety of nontraditional mental health services. Significant differences in the needs of male versus female children, and of differently aged children, are present that have serious implications for service system development.