What is an Advocate? Where do I find one?

CH.A.D.D. is an organization founded to assist Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. They have a special page on their website that gives the legal and advocacy information for public schools and their requirements. Even if your child does not suffer from ADD/ADHD, you can still receive information from CH.A.D.D. about support and advocacy in your area. You may phone CH.A.D.D. at (800) 233-4050, or email them at national@chadd.org.

The Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health also has a great website and lots of information on legal and insurance issues. Membership is for families who have a child with a mental disorder, and help and support are given to the family as a whole instead of just focusing on your child. You may email the federation at ffcmh@crosslink.net.

Diane, the mother of Matthew, age 13 and Peter, age 11, says that she always starts her search for an advocate with the special education department at her son’s schools. She has had excellent results with their current advocate, and although she has had to pay out of pocket for the service, she feels that Matthew and Peter would not be receiving their current level of care and education if it weren't for their advocate.