Category Archives: General Information

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

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Advocacy 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

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Specific Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia and the Science of Reading

Twenty-six years ago, I opened the Child and Family Law Center of the North Shore, now a division of Grund & Leavitt). Some of you who have known me well are aware that one of the inspirations for this law … Continue reading

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NEW 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

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The 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

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The 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

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Getting the Right Reading Intervention Shouldn’t Be So Hard

It has been nearly 26 years since I started my practice with a focus on special education law and advocacy for children and adolescents. The practice is and was inspired and informed by my own son’s struggle with dyslexia. I … Continue reading

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Divorce Checklist

It is not uncommon for someone to consult with our office when they are just beginning to contemplate the possibility of divorce. Often, they want basic information about the legal process and their rights as well as advice on how … Continue reading

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WHAT 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

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Co-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

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