Behavioral Characteristics of Children and Youth at Risk for Out-of-Home Placements

Currently, the interagency, community-based system-of-care model for serving children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and their families enjoys hegemony among professionals in mental health and related fields. The widespread adoption of the model has been based largely on its intuitive appeal, potential economic advantages, and identified shortcomings of previous practices. Recently, increasing emphasis has been placed on the need to expand upon the empirical foundation for the system-of-care model. Precisely identifying the specific characteristics of the individuals for whom system-of-care services are intended or provided is a necessary first step to knowing what works for whom under which conditions. Several investigators have identified general demographic characteristics associated with this population. The present study extended existing research by identifying the specific behaviors in which children and youth with EBD engage that put them at risk for placements outside their homes and/or communities and, therefore, make them candidates for community-based, system-of-care services. Descriptive data are provided for identified behavioral risk variables. Underlying structures among these behaviors are identified using factor analysis. Implications for service provision and future research are discussed.