The manual is designed to provide information and support to parents of emotionally disturbed children. The first chapter, "Feelings Come First," deals with such topics as identifying unusual behavior, impact on parents and other family members, coming to terms with feelings, and advice from other parents. Chapter 2, "Finding Some Help," defines psychotherapy and five models of emotional disturbance, describes common disorders exhibited by emotionally disturbed children (behavioral, emotional, developmental, adolescent, and somatization disorders), and describes how to locate an appropriate specialist to provide diagnosis and treatment. This chapter concludes with a description of available services, including home intervention, school-based services, community treatment options, residential treatment centers, and training schools. The third and final chapter, "Understanding the Law," discusses the meaning of common labels (e.g., autism, behavior disordered, delinquent, mentally ill, socially maladjusted), and proceeds to a discussion of federal statutory and case law. A section on school and treatment problems addresses such issues as suspension, corporal punishment, chemical dependency, and custody. Organizations which serve as sources of information for mental health issues conclude the chapter. Each chapter contains question/answer exercises and a bibliography. The manual concludes with a glossary of acronyms, laws and regulations, and definitions of related terms. (JW)