Where can I find an advocate?

Question

Where can I find a special education advocate that deals with behavioral problems? Are there free advocates available?

Answer 1

I am concerned with your need to hide the fact that an advocate will be at the meeting. It sounds like a "shock and awe" tactic, which will not make people at the table any more cooperative. Whenever you attempt subterfuge, you will find opposition where there was none before. Why not just be above board and ask the district to help you find one? Many districts actually employ a parent liaison.

Answer 2

If the person in question is under 21, contact your local school district, or special education agency (such as a Intermediate Unit in PA).  

If the person is not school age contact your county government.  

If any services or supports are being recieved such as money or therapy talk to those people.  

Support groups would also be a great place to ask.

Answer 3

Contact your local school district's superintendants office.  They will have the information for you.  It should be free.

Also, contact your local United Way office.  They will have a directory of agencies that can help you out.  They are also generally free.

Good luck!

Answer 4

If you feel you need an advocate becuase you feel the school is trying to deny you or your child services, then I am truly sorry that you have to deal with that. However, as an educator for children with special needs, I can tell you that bringing an advocate to a meeting without informing the school will more than likely set up a defensive atmosphere from the school. I must also warn you that as a teacher, I find it personally offensive when an advocate arrives that I was uninformed of prior to the meeting. Our best interests and passions as educators are to help the children to the best of our abilities and resources. Although most of my experiences with advocates have been positive for everyone, it has been in cases in which I was aware of their presence and they actually have helped me to better explain some of the law and issues that dictate special education policy. The one time I had an advocate arrive in which the school was uninformed, I think the situation ended up turning out worse for the student becuase the parent and advocate were both confrontational and took the school and myself to due process. Prior to the meeting, I had been able to write in more services and assistance for the student than the district was legally obliged to pay for. Things changed after that and the only person who really suffered was the student. My advice, is that United Way is a great resource. Often there are P.E.P. (parents educating parents) available in cities. Most large cities will also have an ARC or similar organization. They may not meet the specific needs of your child, but they will be able to direct you in the right direction. Good Luck!

Answer 5

If your child is enrolled in a school district the school should, by law, keep contact information for anything you need.  Call and ask.  They can point you in the right direction.

Answer 6

Special ed advocates help families  fight the school to get special ed help for their children.

Special ed advocates don't help with behavioral problems.

But if this is what you are wanting, to get help for your child in school with special ed,  all state dept of education has a FREE parent advocacy agency.

Call your state dept of education special ed department and ask for information for the states federally funded parent advocacy agency.