ABSTRACT
In South Africa people with mental health problems were left to the mercies of privately owned institutions. The conditions in state mental hospitals were no better for black people. There was a huge difference between white and black provision. The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee was set up to investigate malpractice by managers and staff and the violation of fundamental rights of mentally ill patients in 32 hospitals in different parts of the country. The inadequate provision for mentally ill people in the public sector has stimulated the private companies to establish facilities for the treatment of mentally ill people. In the task of supporting mentally ill people in the community and working closely with professionals in hospitals, COMCARE was working hand in hand with Fountain House, a local day care centre situated in the vicinity of many of the group homes.
