This theme issue of "Focal Point" offers an overview of a range of children's mental health case management issues. Articles include: "Case Management for Families and Children" (Theresa J. Early); "Expectations of Case Management for Children with Emotional Problems: Parent Perspectives" (Richard Donner and others); "Principles of Training for Child Mental Health Case Management" (Marie Weil and others); "Case Management Research Issues and Directions" (Barbara J. Burns and others); and "Implementing and Monitoring Case Management: A State Agency Perspective" (Lenore B. Behar). The articles discuss functions of case management; principles of development of case management programs; the relationship between case managers and families; the core areas of child mental health case management training, which consists of values, knowledge, and skills; and the role of the states in promulgating philosophy and attitude changes, setting program policies and standards, providing training, ensuring funding, and monitoring and evaluating services. The bulletin concludes with profiles of staff of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and with notes concerning research projects, programs, and conferences. (JDD)