Children are entitled to grow up in secure and nurturing environments that include caring adults; safe streets; decent shelter; adequate nutrition; access to health care and education; and advocacy on their behalf against the toxic influences of society. Far too many children are being referred to special education and mislabeled and medicated. Policy and practices need to be in place that address the real needs of children without doing them unintended harm. This implies avoiding fads and extremes and insuring that research findings are tested in actual classroom settings for validity and replication prior to dissemination. Educators and mental health professionals need to collaborate to provide the science, standards, advocacy, and voice necessary to shape public policy and effective practice for the education and well-being of America's children. (Author)