This volume presents the proceedings of a seminar concerned with community care for the chronically mentally ill. After an introductory overview by Ira Iscoe, the first section consists of the following major addresses, presentations, and commissioned papers: (1) "The Community as the Primary Locus of Care for Persons with Serious Long-Term Mental Illness" (Leonard Stein); (2) "Asylum and Community: Friend Not Foe" (Steven Schnee); (3) "State Agency Collaboration on Mental Health Issues from a Political Perspective" (Michael Churgin); (4) "The Future of Community Care for Persons with Chronic Mental Illness" (Dennis Jones); and (5) "Community Care for the Chronically Mentally Ill: Summary Comments" (David Mechanic); (6) "Current Issues in Mental Health Law" (Arlene Kanter); (7)"Model Programs for Persons with Chronic Mental Illness" (Martin Cohen); (8) "Estimates of Need for Mental Health Services in Texas Counties" (Charles Holzer et al.); (9) "State Hospital Reform in Texas: A History of the R. A. J. Class Action Lawsuit" (David Pharis); (10) "Children's and Adolescents' Mental Health Needs in Texas" (Regenia Hicks); (11) "Families of the Mentally Ill in Texas" (Carmen Johnson and Dale Johnson); and (12) "Financial Costs of Caring for the Chronically Mentally Ill in Texas (David Warner). Also included is a series of workshop summaries on technological and innovative advancements, implementation, collaboration, and training. Appended are the scope statement of the Commission on Community Care of the Mentally Ill and lists of the program planning committee, workshops, and participants. (TE)