Education Advocacy Program:
At the Legal Aid Bureau Buffalo, we believe that all children are entitled to attend schools where they can learn and thrive in all aspects of education, including academics, social and life skills, vocational programs, and extracurricular activities. Yet, in too many of our local communities, our children — from preschool to high school – lack such opportunity and struggle merely to remain afloat, Their parents and caretakers are easily overwhelmed by school systems that are difficult to navigate.
Our Education Advocacy Program is here to help children access opportunities for school success. Our of services may include:
- Direct legal representation
- Legal consultation or coaching
- Linkages to resources
- Referrals to community-based advocacy by our community partners
We work with a variety of community-based partners who can provide services and supports to children and families on school matters. On our resources page, we have included a listing.
Our Education Advocacy Program addresses a wide range of areas of need, including such matters as:
- Special Education matters (IEPs and Section 504 Accommodation Plans)
- School Suspensions and Discipline matters
- English as New Language/Bilingual Instruction for “Limited English Proficient” students
- School Attendance matters
- School Residency, Enrollment, and School Stability for Children in Foster Care or other forms of “Out-of-Home Care” (including placements with relatives or and friends)
- Children Living in Unstable, Temporary or Transitory Setting (including homeless shelters, outdoor settings, couch surfing,
- School Transitions for Children in or At Risk of Placement in Residential Facilities
- Incidents of School Bullying