ABSTRACT

This chapter suggests that volunteers can play a vital and dynamic role in alleviating some of the confusion and fragmentation of the service delivery systems. It is concerned with community residents functioning in the areas of program development, implementation, coordination, and education. One basic issue seems to be the fear that the volunteer may replace the professional. This concern may be quite legitimate considering economic picture. Funds are limited and needs continue to expand. The Case Aides were recognized by the patients as people who helped because they cared, who came to the hospital because they wanted to. The helping process in the Case Aide Program involved people as people, not as patients or diagnostic categories. The volunteers brought a healthy, positive, practical outlook to the institutional setting. Although there are some advantages to volunteer staffing patterns, there are also problems that need to be explored.