This study (stage two of a proposed four-part study) employed qualitative methods and descriptive statistics to examine child mental retardation from the perspective of the family. Ninety-five mothers of children with mental retardation were surveyed using an 80-item questionnaire and 3 open-ended questions which provided mothers an opportunity to articulate their own experiences in their own words. Data were analyzed to determine children's and mothers' needs and experiences, including educational needs and experiences, and to compare experiences with those of three case study families from stage one of the study. Recommendations are offered in terms of attitude change, policy change, and suggestions for service providers. Recommendations support current levels of understanding in the field of "best practices" for service delivery to families of children with disabilities. A bibliography of approximately 65 items is provided. Appendices offer a copy of the survey form, statistical data from the survey, and responses to the open-ended questions. (Contains 11 references, 22 tables, and 6 figures.) (JDD)