Examining the theory and practice of work with people with mental health problems, this volume makes an appraisal of policy and organization, based on a discussion of the circumstances of this client group and of the different approaches to social work and social care practice. Topics discussed include: the perception of clients by social work organizations; the implementation of services; the impact of community care arrangements; the circumstances of clients who are "hidden" from social services; the "mismatch" clients' needs and provision offered; the issues of empowerment and assessment of risk, as well as with more "public" factors of resources and confidence in models of care; and the interaction between the various agencies involved with this client group.