This paper presents findings of a 1987-1988 survey of 966 parents of children with serious emotional disturbances. The questionnaire addressed issues concerned with seeking and receiving information and services, sources of formal and informal support, and perceptions of the effect of their child's disability on family life. Among specific issues addressed are requirements that parents relinquish legal custody when seeking publicly funded residential treatment (one-quarter of parents had faced this issue) and parents who felt physically threatened by their children (44 percent sometimes felt physically threatened). Other issues addressed included: involvement with professionals (social workers and psychologists were most frequently named); service needs and utilization (financial assistance, support groups, and respite care appeared to be unmet needs); information needs and utilization (information about transition planning and help for siblings were identified as most needed and most difficult to obtain); and effects of the child's emotional problems on family life (most parents said most aspects of family life were negatively affected); and sources of support (72 percent of parents reported emotional support as being most helpful). Recommendations keyed to these findings are offered. Tables detailing demographic and response information are appended. (DB)