This study analyzes the experience of youth placed out-of-home by two local county departments, human services and corrections, in a large Midwestern metropolitan county. The study goals are to determine whether youth placed by each department have similar characteristics and to analyze the factors associated with type of placement and length of stay. We find that youth have similar characteristics and experiences regardless of which department places them. We conclude that county departments

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... pear to be choosing a placement type based on the individual situation or needs of the youth, and, once placed, youth are treated similarly regardless of department.