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This monograph explains the community-based systems of care approach to providing services for children and youth with emotional disorders and reviews data from 30 communities suggesting that children served in systems of care are less likely to receive services in restrictive environments or to be placed out of their homes, counties, and states. Preliminary information reviews the development of the systems of care approach, which emphasizes comprehensive and individualized services provided within the least restrictive environment with full participation of families and coordination among agencies and programs. Next, major goals of system development across various communities are identified and information on target population criteria and priorities is provided, noting that the largest percentage of children served at most sites is in the disruptive disorders category. A section on the array of services provided notes the expansion of "intermediate" services and use of case management approaches. Specific outcome indicators used in the review of the 30 community programs are then reported, including: out-of-home and community placements, utilization of restrictive service options, functional improvements, educational status, law enforcement status, family involvement, satisfaction with services, access to services, and cost comparisons. An appendix provides specific outcome data by community. (Contains 43 references.) (DB)