Beginning in the fall of 1999, all programs of the Child and Youth Services Administration of the District of Columbia Commission on Mental Health Services were ordered to implement a performance improvement plan. This report looks at how successful one clinic was in improving performance in one year. The objectives were to: (1) increase the number of children receiving services; (2) increase the percentage of Hispanics and other multicultural groups receiving services; (3) help children improve their school performance; (4) encourage families to participate; and (5) monitor content and quality of services. The evaluation found that trying to improve all five objectives at the same time was a difficult task. The clinic had seen a marked increase in clients with histories of severe psychiatric problems, aggression, and violence. Public mental health systems with limited resources must make hard choices about resource allocation if the referrals continue to swell with complicated cases. The pressures to serve more clients, increase each family's involvement, and improve record keeping are often at cross-purposes. The recommendation was made that clear priorities be established so that the mission of prevention and training are maintained as performance improvement plans go forward. Data tables and the Service Satisfaction Questionnaire are appended. (Contains 10 references.) (JDM)