The Chronically Mentally III in Community Support Systems

This paper presents the results of a 1980 survey of a random sample of 1,471 chronically mentally disabled adults in community support systems sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. Drawing on data reported by 248 case managers using the Uniform Client Data Instrument, the authors describe the clients' entry into the program, demographic characteristics, clinical histories, and level of functioning. The paper also presents utilization data corresponding to the ten essential components of a community support system, and examines the relationship between client need and use of services. The authors conclude with a discussion of the changing political environment for mental health services and some of the emergent issues for public policy.