The earlier study found that the outcome was particularly poor for children with preadmission histories of severe aggressive/destructive behavior. The recent group of children, like the earlier one, was made up of youngsters who were often from dysfunctional and abusive families. Results show a significant change in the outcome of severely aggressive destructive patients when compared with the previous sample. This change includes a more favorable outcome for aggressive children who have histories of suspected child abuse/maltreatment. This outcome may be due to improved staffing at the program, increased usage of pharmacological approaches and behavioral treatment, and strong emphasis on parental and active social service involvement. 5 tables and 12 references (Author abstract modified)