CRISES THAT THREATEN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH EMOTIONALAND BEHAVIORAL-DISORDERS

Children with serious emotional and behavioral disorders present stron g challenges to families and professionals who attempt to care for the m at home. This longitudinal, exploratory study examines the placement -threatening crises experienced by nine Minnesota families during an 1 8-month period. The findings encourage critical reevaluation of placem ent-prevention programs, highlighting the importance of informal suppo rt systems, long-standing family supports, attitudes of professionals, and the role of medications.