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This paper presents the experience of a program evaluation in Madrid - the evaluation of a social care program for people with chronic and severe mental illness. It is a global evaluation, including different aspects of the program - although a special attention is paid to the resources network. The evaluation process is described, including goals, methodology, phases, activities, instruments and procedures. Finally, some results are shown concerning evaluation in 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of both the current need to formulate a comprehensive treatment for severe chronic mentally ill patients and the increasing tendency to outpatient care, this paper presents a theoretical review of two acknowledged socio-community based approaches -- the assertive community treatment and the therapeutic accompaniment. First, a definition of "severe chronic mental illness" is forwarded along with a brief review of the background of socio-community based intervention. Then, an outline of the community social support team is made -- a new multidisciplinary device in Madrid Region for treating this kind of patients. Finally, practical considerations are made about issues such as the concept of setting, in vivo treatment, illness awareness and the importance of community involvement in the treatment of these patients. Some recommendations are also made for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]