Sixty families of chronic schizophrenic patients undergoing treatment with drugs and social therapies were studied to determine their potential role in the patients' rehabilitation and discharge.Many of these families maintained an active interest in the patients, expressed in continuing visits to the hospital. Their attitude toward the patient's illness was optimistic and many families favored discharge. Their expectations were realistic and in accord with the patients' capacities. Their ability to help the patient was compromised by a low annual income, insufficient room at home for another family member, and inability to help the patient find a job. The importance of the increased use of the psychiatric social worker and of additional community resources was emphasized.Abstract Teaser