Case management in the human services. Reflections of public policy

One way to examine how case management has become a favored tool of public policy is to explore how it has evolved in various human service settings. This article compares, describes, and analyzes case management in six program categories: (a) for persons suffering from chronic mental illness; (b) in child welfare; (c) in community-based long-term care; (d) for children and adolescents suffering from severe emotional disturbance; (e) for individuals experiencing substance abuse problems; and (f) in the public welfare system. Case management in these settings is compared along three dimensions: legislative ad programatic origins; models; and outcome measures. The analysis reveals the extent to which case management has become a cornerstone of public policy--characterized by cost containment accomplished through substantial and continuing reduction in public support for human service programs.