Describes the implementation of a collaborative discharge planning program for a chronic psychiatric population. Emphasizes the importance of good communication between patient and professionals. Presents a case example. Findings suggest more substantial involvement of patients in after-care programs is needed. (Author/JAC)

Describes a cooperative program designed to relieve police of their community social service role so that they may have more time for law enforcement crises. (Author)

The MSW Task Force has two purposes: (1) to provide leaders for groups and workshops and (2) to provide an opportunity for unemployed female mental health professionals to maintain their professional identity and to increase their skills and experience. The Task Force conducts various types of groups within the community. (Author)

Based on the experience of Youth Service, Incorporated, a voluntary child welfare agency in Philadelphia, this article explores beliefs about community-based care of troubled teenagers. To develop a lasting system of high-quality, community-based care, it is essential that fact be discerned from fiction and harsh realities faced. (Author)

Foster care for former mental patients has been successfully tried as an alternative to hospitalization. The foster program described here provides an opportunity for former patients to live in a family like setting and has been marked by a low recidivism rate as well as general acceptance by the community. (Author)

A small new mental health center in a rural community of Ohio found collaboration a more feasible goal than consultation. Despite its limited staff and budget, the center was able--through cooperative efforts with agencies and individuals--to extend markedly its services to the community. (Author)

This paper describes a community outreach program that is aimed at mothers of preschool children for the purposes of primary and secondary prevention of mental illness. The goals of the group meetings are to expand the mothers' problem-solving capacities and share child-rearing experiences. The groups are lead by health care professionals. (NG)