The effectiveness of child psychiatric inpatient care.

After 900 admissions there is evidence that the programme for the inpatient hospitalization of psychiatrically ill children for a pre-determined period, can provide effective treatment. The time limited aspect appears to maximize the utilization of staff and family time. Parents' reports, rating scale information and assessments of outcome seem to agree that most children benefit. While hospitalizing the most difficult cases, the 29 day stay, 2% referral rate to foster homes and 7% re-admission rate of this unit, compares favourably with other child psychiatric units.