Where can i find a child's right advocate for my son?

Question

he is 14 with mental illness

Answer 1

Here is a site that lists advocates for each state.  Click on your state and scroll down until you see advocates.

You have to pay for their services.

http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/

Also, if this is concerning school issues, call your state dept of education and ask for the 'federally funded special education parent advocacy agency'  

They help parents for free.

Answer 2

National Alliance for Mental Illness at www.nami.org is a wonderful resource for anyone with a family member with mental illness.  They should be able to point you in the right direction for local information and would be aware of support groups.

If you are looking for an educational advocate, you can visit Wrightslaw at http://www.wrightslaw.com.  This was started to provide information for parents of children with special needs and they have a lot of information about how to advocate for your child.  You could also contact your son's school and ask to speak to his guidance counselor or the school psychologist.  If he has a mental illness, he may be eligible for special education services if he is not currently receiving them.  Some school districts in my area employ parent advocates, so you might want to contact your school district.  There may also be a parent's group with children in special education in your school district and they might be aware of some advocates and be able to offer some support.  Finally, the Learning Disabilities Association in my area also has advocates.  They are primarily for students with learning disabilities, but they might be able to help or to point you in the right direction.  They also sometimes have names of attorneys who specialize in advocacy, if you run out of free options.  

This sounds like a very trying time for both of you, please remember to take care of yourself as well.  I wish you the best.

Answer 3

You're school system should be able to help you, but if you aren't comfortable with that, his doctor should be able to help, or yours.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

Right now, you're the best one he has. After that, I'd contact an attorney that specializes in disabilities.

Been there, done that.

Answer 5

I don't know where you are located, but if it is in the U.S., I know that my law school (Loyola Law School) has a Center for Disability Rights.  Even if you are not in the L.A. area, they may be able to steer you in the right direction.  The URL for their website is

http://www.lls.edu/academics/candp/drlc....

and the phone # is 213-736-1031.

Answer 6

Try contacting some of the mental health organisations in your area. Some may have some sort of advocacy program, or if they are more care based they will probably be able to tell you where you can go.

Answer 7

The Youth Advocate Program is nationwide, commonly known as YAP.  They can assign you an advocate for your child and answer your questions.

Answer 8

There are usually mental health societies or associations for your region, county or state.  I would start there.  If not, contact them at the national level.  You should be able to find their website.  

Are you looking for a school advocate or more of a health care advocate?

Does he have a case manager through the county's mental health department?  If not, that may be your best solution yet?