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Psychiatric Rehospitalization of Children and Adolescents: Implications for Social Work Intervention

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Abstract

This study explored factors associated with the psychiatric rehospitalization of children and adolescents. A retrospective archival review was conducted on 403 children and adolescents admitted into an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Results indicated that 16% were readmitted in the same year. Children and adolescents who had a prior history of psychiatric rehospitalization, lived in a residential treatment facility, and had a diagnosis of oppositional/defiant or conduct disorder were more likely to be rehospitalized. Psychosocial factors must be considered in predicting and preventing psychiatric rehospitalization. Clinical social workers should include therapeutic foster care as an option for aftercare placements of youth exhibiting externalizing behaviors and/or with a history of multiple restrictive care placements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Counseling Psychology Department, Eastern University, Rm 317 Eagle Learning Center, 1300 Eagle Rd., St. Davids, PA, 19087, USA

    Walter Chung, Susan Edgar-Smith, Ruth Baugher Palmer & Elizabeth Bartholomew

  2. University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI, 54751, USA

    David Delambo

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  1. Walter Chung
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  2. Susan Edgar-Smith
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  3. Ruth Baugher Palmer
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  4. Elizabeth Bartholomew
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  5. David Delambo
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Correspondence to Walter Chung.

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Chung, W., Edgar-Smith, S., Palmer, R.B. et al. Psychiatric Rehospitalization of Children and Adolescents: Implications for Social Work Intervention. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 25, 483–496 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-008-0147-8

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