In December 2001, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) brought together representatives of 17 advocacy groups who are concerned about the provision of positive behavioral supports and mental health services for students with significant social, behavioral and/or emotional needs. The agenda for this group included: a discussion of the upcoming reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA '97), and a discussion of the connection of mental health services and special education. After reviewing the available scientific evidence and professional literature, this group concluded that many of the provisions of IDEA 97 have yet to be fully implemented for children and youth with disabilities. Particularly at risk of not receiving needed instructional and related services are those youth who are significantly impacted by social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems, including children with significant mental health needs. As a result of this review, members of the group have produced this document to provide an overview of the status of the implementation of IDEA, with a special focus on students with disabilities who have significant social, emotional and/or behavioral needs, including those with early-onset mental illnesses. This document highlights the unmet educational needs of these youth, as well as the potential benefits to schools, children and families of improving the educational outcomes for these children and youth by reinvesting in and strengthening IDEA implementation. (Contains 39 references.) (GCP)