The main purpose of this study was to understand the experience of the families of the mentally ill participating in the Emotional & Informational Support Program (EISP). This study was guided by the ethnographic research method. The research of this study was done in four phases : to plan the EISP, to invite the subjects, to operate the EISP, and to collect and analyse the data. Of the 17 family members who had consented to participate in the study seven did not participate. The members were included in this study. Seven nonparticipating family members were excluded. The EISP was operated from January to March, 1998. Data was collected through in-depth inter view and participant observation. The result of this study is as follows : The experiences of participating process in the EISP were divided into 2 domains ; theme stories taken from the dialogue, and learning through inter action. Theme stories came out as 5 categories : (1) parent`s responsibility ; if only one can be restored to health., (2) seeking treatment ; to try their best to treat, (3) retrospecting : catharsis, self under standing, and reflection, (4) health problems of the families ; be distressed, and (5) ask for doctor ; (1) to overcome the social stigma, (2) to live in a fair manner, (3) to prepare for relapse of the illness, (4) to learn the coping skill, and (5) to pursuit effective treatment. The responses for the EISP of the subjects were divided into 3 categories : be of help, thankfulness, and regret. The findings of the study will be useful in developing an EISP and the families of the mentally ill be helped through the EISP.