Articles by social work educators on some of the critical issues in community mental health are presented. Examined are some conceptual and program developments related to coordination, continuity of care, and the use of teams in planning and service delivery for community mental health (Lawrence K. Berg). The issue of civil commitment to and civil rights in inpatient facilities of persons diagnosed as mentally ill is addressed (Leila Calhoun Deasy). Some current issues for clinical social work practice in mental health are presented, considering programs of prevention, immediate, brief intervention, and long-term care (Patricia L. Ewalt). Two sets of guidelines for program evaluation in mental health are offered. One deals with judging the work of evaluators (Harris K. Goldstein) and the second is concerned with how mental health administrators can use the products of evaluation (James Proctor). Pointed out is the need to establish a rational and clear framework for social work practice in community mental health (Arthur J. Katz). Citizen participation is discussed as a means of maximizing the effectiveness of the service delivery program (Samuel O. Miller). The origins and applications of social work practice and education in primary prevention are also presented (Helen Reinherz). Deinstitutionalization and chronic mental patients are identified as related issues and part of a current and ongoing crisis for community mental health (Max Silverstein). (MSE)