“Prior to the implementation of systems of care, there was little focus on children with mental health conditions at the national, state, or local levels. Few resources were devoted to their care and, as a result, the availability of services and supports was limited. Lack of leadership and poor coordination across systems were typical. Families often were blamed and had few choices and little or no role in decision making related to the care of their children. Countless children and youth received no services at all or were served inappropriately in ineffective, out-of-home settings at great public expense and to the detriment of families.”
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