Eight of the youths were admitted for refusing to attend school, five for stealing, two for glue-sniffing, and five for attempting suicide. The most commonly reported behavior underlying admission was causing trouble at home. The interviews revealed that more than half the participants reported some benefit from their experience in the unit, most notably from drama therapy, family therapy, and peer group support. Several areas of difficulty also emerged, including objections to video recording and one-way mirrors, dislike of being in the grounds of a psychiatric hospital, inadequate staffing levels at night, and fear of an autistic adolescent. The youths also expressed preference for the use of a time-out room rather than sedation. Their recall of explanations given before admission regarding practices on the unit was poor. Adolescents and parents agree that behavior or family relationships had improved in 11 cases; one family said that things were worse. Certain changes have been made at the unit since the study. 8 references (Author abstract modified)