Describes ways in which parents and professionals are working together to ensure that goals related to family support are translated into policies, programs, and services in the care system for children and youth with serious emotional disorders. Features a parent organizing project in Wisconsin. (RJC)

This article discusses cooperation between parents, family members, and professionals in advocacy efforts on behalf of students with emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Tips for parent-advocates and experiences of statewide parent networks are offered, as well as lessons and potential pitfalls experienced by professionals. (PB)

This directory contains information about 214 organizations that offer support, information, and other services to parents of seriously emotionally handicapped children and adolescents in the United States. The directory listings were compiled from information obtained through a 1985-86 survey of parent organizations conducted by the Families as…

This report describes a national survey of organizations of and for parents of children and adolescents with serious emotional disabilities. The telephone survey located 207 parent organizations of which 26.7 percent were publicly affiliated and 72.9 percent were either private, non-profit, or informally organized. About 54 percent were part of…

This article uses the issue of custody relinquishment to illustrate ways in which research can be used in the policy change process. In the case studies profiled, research was most effective when combined with family stories. The stories gave the problem life and the research helped find families with stories. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)