Another mechanism families have for coping with the stress of having mentally retarded children is to become actively involved with providing and coordinating their children's care. The more families become involved in providing care, the less helpless they tend to feel. Parents who take the time to learn strategies for behavioral control are better able to moderate their children's excesses, and to provide a safer environment for their children. The children of parents who become involved in their care are less likely to require institutionalization, and more likely to develop into productive members of the community.
Adult family members can help by becoming an advocate for their children's care and, if they are ambitious, for better overall mental retardation care in their community. An advocate is any person who argues or pleads for another person's cause, in the process helping to ensure that the other person's rights are upheld. In the context of mental retardation care, advocates serve as a voice for mentally retarded children and adults who cannot effectively speak for themselves. For example, they help mentally retarded individuals determine where they want to live and with whom, and help ensure that they get the proper assistance they require to support self-care efforts.
Advocates also assist individuals when dealing with situations such as voting or managing property or assets. Mentally retarded individuals retain the right to own property and have the right to manage their own money, even though they may require advice and assistance to complete more complex transactions. The primary aim of money advocacy with regard to mental retardation is typically to help mentally retarded individuals to budget funds according to their wants and needs.
Advocates may also help retarded individuals to find and maintain gainful employment. In this context, an advocate may serve as a liaison between an employer and the mentally retarded employee. They also may help mentally retarded individuals apply for and maintain disability compensation when they are unable to work. Mental retardation advocates are typically volunteers. They are often drawn from the ranks of family members, although case mangers may take on the role when it is needed. Some individuals with mental retardation are able to become self-advocates as well. Advocates are an integral part of any mentally retarded individual's treatment and services.
