Kevin Stone writes a submission and a set of recommendations concerning the advocacy role that parents need to take (in partnership with consumer based advocacy movements) in order to ensure effective service delivery and services that meet individual needs as opposed to the needs of staff, the needs of agencies or other professionals. Stone also documents the historical role that parents have played in fighting for services other than institutions, but how this led to their co-option into the services - on management committees or directly providing services. Stone argues that parents cannot be effective advocates when they are also in this role of 'provider'. He documents ways in which parents can still be involved in the services provided to their sons and daughters, but how this involvement can be meaningful and truly be in the best interests of their children. Keyword: Advocacy