In the mid-70's mental health programs in Florida underwent a major change with the implementation of a Unit Treatment Rehabilitation (UTR) model of patient care, which emphasizes the re-socialization of patients and a team approach to mental health care. In response to this change, an innovative program was developed through coordination between the state community college system and the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services (HRS). Federal funds were obtained to retrain aide-level employees of four state mental hospitals and a ten-course program leading to a Certificate in Human Services was established in coordination with four community colleges. Later, state funds were obtained to speed the retraining process, and a four-course program was established to retrain all aide-level employees at the four hospitals within five years. HRS funds were divided among the four colleges, which also provided financial support for the programs. At each college, a faculty member served as part-time instructor and part-time administrator, and, in one case, coordination was established between the college and hospital through a liaison who administered the program from the two facilities. After outlining the development of the UTR program and problems of interagency coordination, the components of cooperative links between state agencies are presented, including recognition and clarification of need, curriculum development, delivery of service, and evaluation of outcomes. (HB)