Community service utilization by youths hospitalized in a state psychiatric facility. 
A majority of a cohort of 62 children and adolescents who had been hospitalized in a state psychiatric facility was found to have received less restrictive services such as outpatient mental health services prior to their index admission.  Also, a number had been involved with the juvenile justice system and almost two-thirds had been placed out-of-home.  Ninety percent had at least one prior psychiatric hospitalization.  Just over half of the cohort received case management and individual counseling post release.  About a third received family counseling, and a few received other types of services.  At least a third were rehospitalized within a year of release.  Although 90% of the cohort received some type of service post release, a higher proportion of non service receivers were rehospitalized than service receivers.  Even those who received services had a high rate of rehospitalization.  These findings raise questions as to the appropriateness of service provision during and following hospitalization.