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Transforming Childrens Mental Healthcare in America
Systems of Care

SAMHSA Factsheet Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Program
for Children and Their Families
2005 Key Outcomes for Children and Families in Systems of Care

  • Reduced costs due to fewer days in inpatient care. The average reduction in per-child inpatient hospital days from entry into services to 12 months translated into an average per-child cost savings of $2,776.85.
  • Decreased utilization of inpatient facilities. The percentage of children who used inpatient facilities within the previous 6 months decreased 54 percent from entry into systems of care to 18 months after systems of care.
  • Reduced arrest results in per-child cost savings. From entry into systems of care to 12 months after entry, the average reduction in number of arrests per child within the prior 6 months translated into an average per-child cost savings of $784.16.
  • Mental health improvements sustained. Emotional and behavioral problems were reduced significantly or remained stable for nearly 90 percent of children after 18 months in systems of care.
  • Suicide-related behaviors were significantly reduced. The percentage of children and youth who had deliberately harmed themselves or had attempted suicide decreased 32 percent after 12 months in systems of care.
  • School attendance improved. The percentage of children with regular school attendance (i.e., 75 percent of the time or more) during the previous 6 months increased nearly 10 percent with 84 percent attending school regularly after 18 months in systems of care.
  • School achievement improved. The percentage of children with a passing performance (i.e., C or better) during the previous 6 months increased 21 percent with 75 percent of children passing after 18 months in systems of care.
  • Significant reductions in placements in juvenile detention and other secure facilities. Children and youth who were placed in juvenile detention or other secure facilities within the previous 6 months decreased 43 percent from entry into services to 18 months after entering systems of care.

 

  Please direct information updates to soc@samhsa.gov with the specific location or internet address to be updated. Thank you.
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