Designed for parents of children with mental, emotional, or behavior disorders, this booklet provides information on accessing mental health services through health maintenance organizations. The first part of the guide provides information on how managed care can improve children's access to behavioral health services through expanded service options, earlier identification and treatment, efficient coordination of services, service compatibility with a family's culture and values, and family involvement in decisions about care. The guide also discusses how managed care controls costs and provides tips on how families can make managed care work for their child. Goals are presented for managed care for families of children with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. A final section deals with what families should watch out for, such as limits on needed services, reduced quality of care, and exclusion of families from service planning and decision-making. A checklist is provided to evaluate whether a managed care plan operates in a family-friendly manner. (CR)