The participants all lived in Michigan and were between ages 18 and 55. All had a serious mental illness, usually schizophrenia, major affective disorder, or bipolar disorder. Participants also had care responsibilities for at least 1 child between ages 4 and 16. Participants completed detailed 2-part interviews 7 to 10 days apart. Results revealed great heterogeneity in educational levels, number of children, number of fathers for their children, and family living arrangements. However, most participants had low incomes. Results also revealed that the participants experienced significant stresses, including living alone with their children, children’s significant behavior problems, and financial concerns. Nevertheless, most participants endorsed the significance of motherhood in their lives. Findings suggest that most mental health professionals’ inattention to parenting issues leaves important needs unmet and is likely to have negative consequences for these women and their children. The analysis concluded that mental health and psychiatric rehabilitation programming for women needs to address parenting issues. Tables, figure, and 47 references