The author explores the problems facing the chronic psychiatric patient
in the community and discussed the response of federal and state
governments to these problems. Errors of the past and present are
delineated and corrective actions are suggested for the future. Finally, it
is argued that if society is able to meet the challenge posed by the
chronic psychiatric patient in the community it will simultaneously have
set up mechanisms to solve the problems of other disabled and disadvantaged
groups of people as well.Abstract Teaser