Mental Health Association of Washington County

Individual Advocacy

Community Support Program of Washington County

Parent Advocate

Advice, direction, vision, opportunity, caring, action, training, education

Why a parent advocate?

The family of a special needs child has many concerns. The service needed to address these concerns is ofter difficult to locate. The advocate can assist families in locating needed services for their child. The advocate can also help families work together with such child serving agencies as mental health/mental retardation, children and youth, drug and alcohol, and schools.

Who is a parent advocate?

Our advocate is a trained person who has a special needs child. She is someone who understands and knows some of the difficulties of finding services. She is someone who has been through the system and is able to assist others.

What does the advocate do?

	Works with families to identify and prioritize their child's needs.
	Can provide agency contacts that may be able to provide services for the special needs child.
	Can help ensure that services provided are appropriate.
	Can share printed information on various topics with families and agencies.
	Can work with agencies in determining a family's needs.
	Will set up training seminars for parents and agency personnel.
	Will provide information by speaking to community organizations - including parent groups and support groups.

Who can use this service?

	Any parent or guardian of a special needs child.
	Agencies servicing children with special needs.

How can I get this service?

CALL! Our advocate works Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. If the advocate is unavailable, you may leave your phone number and our advocate will return your call. (724) 225-2061 or you can e-mail her at zeitlerm1@verizon.net.

Community Support Program of Washington County

Who are we?

	Mental Health Consumers
	Family members
	Mental Health Professionals
	Concerned citizens
	Part of a state-wide network of local and regional programs

What do we believe?

	People who have mental illnesses should be treated with dignity and respect.
	They have the same needs, aspirations, rights , and responsibilities as other citizens.
	They deserve access to a variety of resources in all aspects of living, working, learning, and leisure.

How does it work?

Through the coordination of the local Mental Health Association, the CSP works to improve the array of support services available in the community. Educational speakers present on topical issues at every meeting. The CSP actively participates in developing the Washington County - Annual MH/MR Plan. CSP is the voice of the community to help people with serious mental illness live independently in the community and to help develop needed mental health services such as housing, vocational training, employment, income, maintainence, medical care, and rehabilitation.

There are 4 subcommittees:

	Children and youth
	Empowerment
	Housing
	Managed Care

How can I join the CSP?

	The committee meets the second Tuesday of every month from 9 am to 11:30 am.
	If you are interested in attending or would like to join CSP, please contact the Mental Health Association for details.