How PIN Can Help

Parents find us in many different ways. They are referred by other families or they learn about us from teachers, judges, lawyers, social workers, doctors, or any of the other professionals with whom they come in contact. Our name and number are listed in brochures that we distribute to mental health agencies, school counselors' offices, and other public offices.

When you call, you will talk with one of our family advocates. We will ask how we can help and we will listen to you as you explain your situation. Take your time, because we are here to listen.

If we can't help you, we'll do our best to refer you to someone who can.

If we think we can help you, we may do a number of different things.

Some questions can be answered and some problems can be solved over the phone. If yours is such a problem, we may ask you questions so that we can make sure we understand your situation. Then, we'll send you any pamphlets or other information we think can help you. We'll offer suggestions and explain your options. Finally, we'll ask you to call back and let us know how things turned out.

If you are scheduled to attend a meeting about your child and you would like one of our staff members to go with you, and if we are able to do so, we will. We will go to support you and to make sure you receive all the information you ought to have. If necessary, we will step in to make sure you receive written copies of any policies that affect you or your child. If we think you are receiving incorrect information, we will state what we believe to be the correct policy or regulation.

We also provide resources to assist you. For instance, when attending a meeting about your child, we suggest you keep a record of all visits.

We are knowledgeable, experienced parent advocates who, like you, have children with emotional and behavioral disorders. We will be non-judgmental and we will listen to you. We will help you find the most appropriate services for your child in any way we can. We will provide you with the information you need to make the most informed choices possible. We will assist you as you learn how to become your child's most effective advocate in your dealings with any of the agencies that serve children.

We are not clinicians, educators or social workers. We cannot offer therapeutic counseling for you or your child. Perhaps most importantly, we cannot change a school policy, a law or a regulation that is affecting you or your child.

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