title: Supports for community-based mental health care: an optimistic review of federal legislation.
abstract: For the past 50 years, federal legislation has been a key force in shaping the delivery of public mental health services. This article describes and summarizes recent relevant federal legislative initiatives and analyzes their potential in providing support, either explicit or implicit, for community-based mental health care for adults in the United States. These legislative mandates and options can be a source of optimism and ammunition for advocates and change agents as they continue to work vigorously to improve the mental health services system.
authors: School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23284-2027.
authors: K J
authors: KJ
authors: Bentley
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005381:Financing, Organized; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006285:Health Planning / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards