Objective: Theoretical background and first results of a vocational rehabilitation program for unemployed persons with chronic psychiatric disabilities will be presented. The aim of the program is job-placement in the regular labour market.
Methods: After a 3-month preparatory period the participants were given the possibility of "training on-the-job" in the areas of social services, catering, and care taking activities in 12-months' rehabilitation reintegration courses in co-operation with a social service centre. In addition, a 6-months aftercare period will be included.
Results: More than one third of 34 participants (38 %) were placed in a regular employment.
Conclusions: The results support the importance of vocational rehabilitation programs as a supplementary component of the care system of chronic mentally ill patients.