SummaryThe stages through which an innovation passes on its way toward becoming institutionalized within a host setting are delineated. A historical chronicle is presented of how a social problem solving program, designed as a competence enhancing, primary prevention effort, goes through these stages within the hosting public school system. Additionally, a parallel process is described regarding how the Social Problem Solving Program progressed along a similar route within its parent mental health center on its way to becoming a regular and permanent service delivery entity within the mental health center.