In addition, funding is made available for time-limited demonstration and stimulatory grant projects. The functions of state mental health agencies vary from state to state. The general purposes of these offices are to plan, administer, and develop standards for state and local mental health programs such as state hospitals and community health centers. They can provide information to the consumer about mental illness and a resource list of contacts where you can go for help. Protection and Advocacy agencies may provide information about health, residential, and social services in your area.
Legal assistance is also available.
The Client Assistance Program provides assistance to individuals seeking and receiving vocational rehabilitation services. These services, provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, include assisting in the pursuit of legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to insure the protection of the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Maternal and Child Health Bureau provides grants to states for direct medical and related services to children with handicapping conditions. Although services will vary from state to state, additional programs may be funded for training, research, special projects, genetic disease testing, and counseling services. A national network of programs affiliated with universities and teaching hospitals, UAPs provide interdisciplinary training for professionals and paraprofessionals and offer programs and services for children with disabilities and their families.