ABSTRACT
The previous chapters have explained the context within which Assertive Outreach Teams developed and the client group they cater for. Most teams have access criteria which include repeated hospital admissions, psychotic experiences and the type of interpersonal difficulties that may get diagnosed as personality disorder. There is usually a relatively high level of risk associated with many of the clients: risk to themselves through self-harm, self-neglect or alcohol and substance misuse, sometimes risk to others. In addition, the difficulties experienced by clients can lead to involvement with the police, environmental health and the public, often taking the form of complaints, and with expectations that the health professionals involved will somehow resolve the difficulties. Worried families and friends can want to be involved with the care of the client, sometimes to a far greater degree than the client themselves desire or give permission for.
