For the Record

"For the Record" is a record keeping system which parents and caregivers can use when advocating for their child.

Introduction

Children and adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral disorders often require services from more than one service system or agency. For example, a child might be receiving services from a Community Mental Health Center (behavior health system) and require an evaluation for placement in a special education class (education system). Each system operates under guidelines which are specific to that system. The rules are often complicated and sometimes contradictory.

To initiate the services and find the resources your child needs and is entitled to, you must be able to deal effectively with these different systems to ensure that your child's needs are met and his or her rights are protected.

The following are some tips to assist you in becoming a better advocate for your child. We have prepared this booklet for your use in keeping records as you look for and access services for your child. Remember you have spent the most time with your child and know him or her better than anyone else. It is important to trust your judgment and speak up. (See Assertiveness Is... Assertiveness Is Not...)

The following documents provide tips on advocacy, assertiveness and resolving problems with agencies; the last section contains forms for you to use in record keeping.

• How to Advocate for Your Child
• Tips for Resolving a Problem with an Agency

Record Keeping Forms

Keeping records is essential both for keeping track of your child's progress and in creating a paper trail to follow up when advocating for your child. We encourage you to print as many copies of the following forms as you need to use when looking for resources and services and to use as a record of any meeting.

• Looking for Resources and Services
• Record of Meeting

Other PIN publications on this Web site:

• Sharing, the Parents Involved Network newsletter
• Fact Sheet Series
• Coping Skills Workshops for Families of Children and Adolescents with Emotional or Behavior Disorders developed by Parents Involved Network
• Does Your Child Need Help?
• Philadelphia Community Services for Children and Adolescents
• Teen Hotlines

For more information, contact:
Parents Involved Network
1211 Chestnut Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
voice: 215-751-1800 or 800-688-4226
email: resources@pinofpa.org
fax: 215-636-6300

Parents Involved Network - ©1999-2004