Abstract: This dissertation presents a qualitative study of 10 individuals who were placed in out-of-home care mental illness during adolescence. These participants had experienced a variety of psychopathology, trauma, or behavioral dysfunction which was severe enough to warrant this level of care. This study describes how their use of developmentally appropriate protective factors promoted resistance to, and recovery from, adulthood mental illness. In all, 16 Themes were identified. The themes were grouped as: Protective Factors, which included (a) Hopes to Continue Education as an Adult, (b) Mastery through Working in the Same Population, (c) Recognized Personal Strength, (d) Use of 'Primitive' Defenses, (e) Independence as a Positive Trait, and (f) Becoming a Parent as Healing; Risk Factors, which included (a) Dysfunctional Peer Relations, (b) Trauma, (c) Negative School Experiences, (d) Negative Family Relations, (e) Anger, and (f) Acting Out as a Need for Attention; Clinical Issues and Implications, which included (a) Continued Adolescent Mentality, and (b) Negative View of Treatment.