An educational advocate, also known as a parent advocate, child advocate, student advocate, or independent advocate, assists parents of students with disabilities in navigating the complex world of special education. This brief guide will help parents: (1) ask interview questions that will help get an understanding of an advocate's approach to…

Advocacy for child development programs is discussed in this document. Advocacy for child development programs is described as having two main components: (1) convincing the general public of the importance of early childhood development; and (2) persuading lawmakers to allocate funds needed to do the job well. Ten guidelines for effective…

Uses the authors' experiences in Texas to suggest some strategies that teachers and parents can use to affect the state legislative process. (MP)

Presents recommendations for parents and educators who want to affect state policies and legislation for children. (MP)

This guide combines legal and mental health resources to help solve problems of child custody and visitation. It is divided into the following sections: (1) Interprofessional Dialogue; (2) Law for Mental Health Professionals; (3) Psychology for Lawyers; (4) Trial Techniques and Preparation; (5) Visitation; and (6) Panel Discussion. (Author/JLL)

This document contains fact sheets on four contemporary issues related to young people, (1) teenage pregnancy, (2) juvenile delinquency, (3) youth tutoring of youth, and (4) youth advocacy. The sheet on teenage pregnancy presents statistics on the teenage birth rate, discusses financial and educational problems faced by teenage parents, and…

An experienced therapist can be an effective witness in courtroom testimony. Unfortunately his expertise and objectivity are not always appreciated by the legal profession. Suggestions are given to help the therapist understand his rights and obligations as a professional witness. (JAC)

Presents a definition and historical review of organized advocacy for children and families. Discusses the differences between case and class advocacy and highlights four proven strategies for successful advocacy. (SJL)

The article examines the conceptual bases for parent advocacy, discusses some potential abuses of parent advocacy, reviews the parental role in advocacy, and offers suggestions for parent advocates. (Author/DLS)

This guide has been compiled as an aide-memoire and resource book about the increasing incidence of malnutrition in infants caused by bottle feeding in the Third World. It deals with four major interrelated issues: (1) the prevalence of protein energy malnutrition, (2) the importance of breast milk, not only in preventing malnutrition and disease…

This guide explains Maine's juvenile justice system so that juveniles and/or their parents can know what to expect or what to do in a situation involving juveniles, public officials and the law. Although it is geographically specific, it could serve as a model to other states. The booklet can serve as a checklist to make sure law enforcement…

The document provides tables covering events which affected the handicapped and gifted in the United States, along with milestones that occurred in other countries, from 1800 to the present. Historical events for each year are categorized as follows: Climate of the Times (items not necessarily related to special education but included to evoke…

Presented is a manual designed to aid social workers and other staff of institutions in dealing with problems of disabled Social Security Administration (SSA) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries who receive their benefits through representative payees. Information is provided about such topics as different types of benefits,…

Presented in question and answer format is information on Public Law 94-142 (Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and Section 504 (the basic civil rights provision with respect to terminating discrimination against handicapped citizens). Questions are divided into sections which cover general information, rights and protections, fiscal…

A professional's ability to provide services will be enhanced if he is familiar with legal implications inherent in activities in which children are involved. This provides Maryland professionals with a perception of the rights of parties in juvenile justice, education, medical care, and parental abuse and neglect, and foster care. (Author)