This newsletter issue focuses on the theme of fostering collaboration between parents and professionals in meeting the mental health needs of children. Structured group interviews (focus groups) were held with both parents and professionals who have been members of decision making boards and committees. Interview excerpts illustrate findings that participating parents had a strong commitment to system level change and were often motivated by personal painful experiences. Parents offered tips for effective participation on boards and committees especially for learning to communicate with professionals. Briefly described are sample sites of the Families in Action Project which conducted the study. Other brief articles in the newsletter address: the importance of family participation, a Wisconsin program of political advocacy by parents, new legislation supporting Maine families, parent involvement and the Vermont system of care for children with emotional disorders, a Mississippi program for families of children with emotional or behavioral disorders, a foster parent's advocacy experience, and an account of a trying day in the life of one family. (DB)