A Model for Change at the Outpatient–Inpatient Interface in Child Psychiatry

Abstract

We describe a treatment model linking child psychiatric inpatient treatment with the professional outpatient network. The child, the family and the ward community together are seen as an extended therapeutic system. The ward subsystem interacts with both the family system and the professional network. A network meeting on admission brings together the previous outpatient treatment efforts and in- patient treatment plans, formulating new solutions and identifying family strengths. A network meeting at discharge creates a supportive outpatient network of local professionals, aware of each other’s intentions and efforts.