Despite the success of various community treatment models, too little attention has been paid to the process of transition from institution to community. Both criminal justice and substance abuse treatment experts agree important gains made during incarceration are not sustained when offenders return to the community because continuity of care is either inadequate or nonexistent. Reasons for the importance of continuity of care are examined from the perspectives of the criminal justice system and the individual offender. From the criminal justice perspective, the offender is confronted with and by a system that really is not a system in the usual sense. Little program coordination exists between arrest, diversion, conviction, probation, revocation, jail, prison, and parole supervision. From the individual offender's perspective, leaving prison can be an intimidating experience because most people become comfortable with a highly structured environment. The absence of continuity from institution to community programs can undermine treatment gains. Obstacles to continuity of care are identified, successful program models are noted, and specific programs in California and Oregon are cited. 22 references and 1 photograph