The ABS Program serves children ages 5 to 12 years and adolescents ages 13 to 19 years who are in psychiatric crisis. The program provides assessment and stabilization of psychiatric symptoms. Children whose behaviors are life threatening, destructive or disabling or that require 24-hour monitoring and assessment meet criteria for admission. The goal of treatment is to promote the highest level of functioning through an individualized treatment plan. The focus is on returning consumers to their homes or to the least restrictive level of care as quickly as possible, with comprehensive aftercare plans. Each consumer receives 24-hour clinical care for an estimated stay of three to ten days.