The plight of the chronically mentally ill is discussed in this document. Chronic mental illness is defined as producing major impairments in functioning for an extended period of time. It is noted the chronically mentally ill are expected to negotiate a bureaucratic maze to receive help. The history of treatment of the mentally ill is traced from individuals being locked up and forgotten, to the emergence of state mental hospitals, to community mental health facilities and deinstitutionalization, and finally to the deinstitutionalized chronically mentally ill as a disabled population left for communities. The treatment of the chronically mentally ill today is discussed, including increased family support, transinstitutionalization, and shunting into the criminal system. Service needs of these people are listed, including such things as inpatient care, shelter, and socialization. Eight areas of general legislative guidelines are presented. Relevant state laws are presented. The pressing need of the chronically mentally ill is highlighted in a discussion of future trends and implications. A case study of Oklahoma is presented. Eight references are listed. (ABL)