This essay focuses upon severely emotionally disturbed youth without parents. Its purpose is to call attention to their need for a place in which to grow up and for long-term support. Consequences of our failure to provide both are delineated. Points made are illustrated through the lives of two young people drawn from a largescale study. Conclusions drawn focus upon the potential of group care to meet their needs and to model an environmentally-sound social system.
The author thanks several colleagues and friends, Bob Beck, Paul Brinnich, Nancy Franklin, Michael Leach, Milton Shore, and Mario Tonti, for their helpful comments on earlier versions of this essay.