Studies of the effectiveness of day treatment programs for children.

Day treatment programs for children are based on the need for more intensive therapeutic treatments for children who do not respond to outpatient programs. Day treatment costs less than hospitalization, does not disrupt family, peer or community ties, and do not result in the child's dependence on them. The authors review studies on the effectiveness of day treatment programs. Findings are discussed and methodological questions are raised for future evaluative research.