This manual, geared for mental health professionals, demonstrates that social network intervention provides an excellent framework and set of tools for working with the multiple problems of older adults. Social networks are "family" groupings of client, family members, friends and other community supports. The intervention focusses on bonding and strengthening such "family" systems into a network that helps improve the overall quality of life for the elderly. Topics and exercises include: (1) mental health service delivery problems; (2) assessment and intervention stages of the social network approach; (3) special intervention techniques helpful in working with the elderly; and (4) issues on the quality of life for the elderly. (Author/BMW)