The Federal Child and Adolescent Service System Program focuses on severely emotionally disturbed youth whose problems are so severe as to require the long-term intervention of mental health and other agencies. The designation of severe emotional disturbance among children is primarily based on functional disabilities which are of significant severity and duration and on the need for a broad range of services. The system of care should be child-centered, with child and family needs dictating the types and mix of services provided. In addition, the system of care should be community-based, with the locus of services as well as management and decisionmaking responsibility at the community level. The recommended system of care framework and accompanying guidelines encompass mental health, social, educational, health, vocational, recreational, and operational services. Case management and advocacy issues in service delivery are examined, along with strategies for developing and assessing systems of care. 192 references, 9 tables, 3 figures.