The children all came from New York City families, most of whom were on public assistance. Placement was a result of either child abuse or neglect. Data were collected from the children's records, a 2-hour structured interview with each child, and a behavior checklist completed by each foster parent. Results revealed that the referred and nonreferred children differed on several important behavioral indicators, including the number of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems, behavioral competence, and mental age. Findings suggest that the child's age when first placed in care, the number of different placements the child experiences during care, and the type of foster care placement (kinship versus nonkinship) may all relate to the need for clinical services in this population. Figures, table, and 32 references (Author abstract modified)