NCJ Number
135618
Date Published
1991
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This report reviews current knowledge about the coordination of alcohol, drug, and mental health (ADM) services; describes the major models and mechanisms available for this purpose; and offers recommendations regarding the process for the development of coordinated ADM services.
Abstract
Sources for the information presented are the published literature; discussions with the staff of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration; telephone interviews with people knowledgeable about coordination; and meetings with State ADM representatives. After a brief introduction, the report provides a historical overview of previous attempts to coordinate services. The next chapter discusses the multiple needs of patients with ADM disorders that make it necessary to coordinate services for them. Using the suggestions from the participants in the April conference, the report then uses the characteristics of dual-diagnosed patients to illustrate the complexity of serving persons whose needs cross the boundaries of categorical programs. A chapter then defines "coordination" and provides some related concepts and working principles of services coordination. The core chapter of the report presents mechanisms and models of coordination and offers case examples to illustrate them. Recommendations cover the choice of coordination mechanisms, steps for the development of coordination, and the role of the lead agency. 95 references