[Experiences with the "Mannheim Starting Help Project"--a 5-year trial of occupational and rehabilitation positions for psychiatrically handicapped patients].

Experiences, goals and results obtained with the "Mannheimer Starthilfe-Project" over five years (1983-1988) regarding on-the-job vocational rehabilitation for mentally impaired persons are presented. In an aftercare programme 350 patients (mainly suffering from psychotic disorders) have so far been referred to 68 on-the-job vocational placements in 42 local establishments (industrial and municipal).