Follow-up evaluations were performed on 73 children & adolescents, age 6 to 16, who represented 96% of a previously reported sample of suicidal, depressed, & control groups discharged from an inpatient psychiatric unit. Compared to nonsuicidal controls, suicidal children, who were equally as well-adjusted, were more frequently sent at discharge to long term placements outside the parental home. Those who attempted suicide after discharge used this behavior to mobilize significant others.