This booklet attempts to provide important background information on programming and financing systems for children with emotional disturbances to enable legislators to make educated decisions regarding child mental health in their states. The booklet is in a question-and-answer format. The first two questions define emotional disturbance and present factors of concern to legislators, including increased services demand; inappropriate and inadequate services; and fragmented, uncoordinated delivery and funding mechanisms. Question Three outlines the services needed by children with emotional disturbances in the areas of mental health, social services, education, health care, vocational assistance, recreation, and family support. Question Four examines how services are delivered to children with emotional disturbances through the educational, juvenile justice, health, child welfare, and mental health systems. Question Five reviews the roles of federal, state, local, and private funding sources for serving children with emotional disturbances. Question Six examines strategies to make the most efficient use of available resources at the federal, state, and local levels. Question Seven highlights innovative programs that a variety of states have implemented to improve the programming and financing of services for children with emotional disturbances. (ABL)