Self-survey of family organization.

A self-survey was undertaken among 512 members of the California Alliance for the Mentally Ill (CAMI), a statewide family support organization. The typical CAMI member is the parent of a mentally disabled son or daughter who has been ill for an average of 13 years with multiple hospitalizations and therapists. The employment record of the disabled individuals was poor; more than two-thirds had been involuntarily committed at some time, and half had been in jail. Family members see the most serious unmet need to be social rehabilitation housing with planned programs.