Category Archives: Current Events
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
In August, Governor Pritzker signed a bill into law to help schools properly address childhood trauma with trained teachers, administrators and staff. At least 40% of children in Illinois have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. At least 10% … Continue reading
Share on FacebookAdvocacy Tips for Parents Staying on Top of Your Child’s Education
Get organized Buy a folder or two. Set up an organizational system that works for you. Keep Records of communication, emails, and work samples. Be clear about the communication system your school uses to track your child’s progress and assignments. … Continue reading
Share on FacebookMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
This school year has been one where student’s mental health issues have been at the top of mind in cases in our office. Regrettably, this has been a period where calls from clients often involves bullying, threats of school violence, … Continue reading
Share on FacebookNEW GUIDANCE HELPS SCHOOLS SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES and AVOID DISCRIMINATORY USE OF DISCIPLINE
On July 19,2022, the Department of Education for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) released guidance to assist public elementary and secondary schools fulfill their responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities … Continue reading
Share on FacebookThe Minor’s Right to Confidentiality under Illinois Law
Parents are often shocked at how much control their minor child has over their mental health records. In a post-dissolution of marriage proceeding, the petitioner mother sought to restrict the father’s parenting time with their minor child based on allegations … Continue reading
Share on FacebookThe Child and Family Law Center: Advocating for the Legal Rights of Children for over 25 years
What does it take to win a Due Process Hearing? A due process hearing is one of the mechanisms for resolving disputes regarding special education services between parents and school districts. Other less formal options such as mediation or a … Continue reading
Share on FacebookWHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS ARRESTED?
Summer is upon us and as a general rule this is a time when our office gets calls from parents regarding their teenager or young adults arrest or questioning by police. Have this discussion now. One time is not enough. … Continue reading
Share on FacebookCo-Parenting in the Age of Coronavirus
There is no road map that allows us to provide hard guidance on how to manage parenting during this difficult time. Families are in unfamiliar territory. However, there are some things that hopefully will help you navigate co-parenting. Follow existing … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSchool Shootings: A Perspective
Since the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida this month, I have been once again thinking about how school shootings have become a tragic and all too common event in this country. I have avoided this … Continue reading
Share on FacebookNo Fault Dependency/Custody Relinquishment Prevention Act HB5598HFA2
Several times a year, parents come to our office and ask us to help them relinquish custody to the State in order to get their child needed mental health services. Often these children are adopted, but not always. What they … Continue reading
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