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The comparability of risk factors, clinical outcomes, and services were examined for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white youths participating in a managed system of care for youths experiencing emotional or behavioral disturbances for at least 6 months. Intra- and inter-group differences were documented for two outcome groups: 34 improvers, whose behavioral indices were within the clinical range at intake and then improved; and 10 deprovers, whose behavioral indices were below clinical range at intake and then deteriorated. The results do not lend themselves to any definitive conclusions, but do suggest that managed system-of-care services may be effective for certain youths. Examination of the youth groups by ethnicity revealed that most Hispanic youths were referred via the probation department, while non-Hispanic whites were referred via mental health, raising the question of bias in agency referrals. Because ethnicity is a significant factor in behavioral and emotional problems and the willingness to seek services, it is critical that agencies seek to provide services before correctional interventions are required. Given the differences in direct therapy hours and the differential sources of referral, it appears that Hispanic and non-Hispanic white clients did not receive equitable care. However, future research should examine how differences in service profiles may result in equity relative to positive outcomes. (Contains 22 references.) (TD)