This paper proposes that local public schools assume the locus of responsibility for providing comprehensive health and mental health services for children and their families. Among the advantages of school based delivery systems are the universality of public education, the availability of physical and human resources, established funding mechanisms and local control of operations. It is suggested that existing program and networks (such as community mental health centers, health agencies, and community education programs) lend themselves to the development of a system of physical and mental health services delivered through the schools with citizen participation in the decision-making process. Current state and federal legislation would require only slight modification to enable services to become school based. Services provided through the school system would vary depending on local values and needs, existence of other community services, cost, the roles of the caregivers and their vested interests, and the availability of technical assistance in implementing the system. The most important consideration is the need to develop varied delivery systems congruent with the divergent needs of urban, rural, and minority groups. (Author/RH)