Concern about the educational, legal, and psychological/social problems experienced by children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) has led to the development of new approaches to serving these youngsters and their families. One new approach includes the evolution of a comprehensive, community-based system of care. This study solicited parent participation in a county-wide needs assessment designed to create the foundation for the development of a comprehensive system of care. Parents (N = 121) were surveyed to obtain their perceptions of their contacts with various service agencies as well as to gather their input into how comprehensive services could best be designed and implemented. Overall, parents viewed the services their family had received as favorable. However, their needs and concerns focused on obtaining information about community services, finding recreational activities for parents and children, and locating transition programs and alternative schooling for their children. The information presented will prove helpful for policy makers, agency administrators, and school personnel developing systems of care to more effectively address the needs of children with EBD and their families.
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