The Volunteer Lawyer Project can assist you with Advocating for educational rights for children in foster care, who are dependents of the juvenile court system. They can assist with Special Education Law as it relates to the legal rights of foster youth. They offer various training clinics throughout San Diego County, in conjunction with HHSA, to educate foster parents and relatives of children currently in the juvenile court system. Contact Laura Pinelli at (619) 235-5656, Ext. 123 for more information.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Every child in the public school system, that may be having difficulty in school, is entitled to have an assessment and a plan, known as an IEP, to meet their personal educational needs. This is especially important for children with special needs or learning disabilities. It is the responsibility of the school district to schedule and perform an IEP, which is a team meeting that includes the caregiver. Below you will find useful information regarding IEP's and how you can use them for your child's success.
IEP (Individualized Education Plan) What It Is Who It's For Who Makes Up the IEP Team When do IEP Meetings Take Place Access a Flyer from The SD County Office of Education
(JCCS) Juvenile Court and Community Schools (Through the SD County Office of Education)
Program Description: The JCCS Special Education Program is administered by the Student Services Division of the San Diego County Office of Education. The procedural safeguards of Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act of 2004 apply to students who come under the jurisdiction of he Juvenile Justice System. The program serves students with disabilities attending school while being detained in juvenile facilities, on probation, or under the jurisdiction of the Health and Human Services Agency. The JCCS Special Education Program provides identification, assessment and instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations governing special education. Services are provided year-round based on 246 school days. Students may enter and exit the program at anytime during the year. Due to the nature of these programs, the daily pupil count varies depending on the number of court ordered placements.
The JCCS Special Education Services: The JCCS Special Education Department offers a full continuum of program options for students with disabilities. Special Education services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assessment
Individual Education Plan (IEP) Review and Development
Behavioral Analysis & Intervention
Resource Specialist Program (RSP)
Special Day Class (SDC)
Designated Instruction and Services (DIS)
Related Services
For More Information regarding the Juvenile Court and Community Schools program VISIT THIS LINK
AB490 Imposes duties and rights relating to the education of kids in foster care
Learning Disabilties Association of San Diegois part of a national organization of parents, adults with learning disabilities, and professionals. LDA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families, alleviating the restricting effects of learning disabilities, and supporting endeavors to determine the causes of learning disabilities. LDA seeks to accomplish this through advocacy, education, research, service and through collaborative efforts. They provide local workshops and support groups for those with learning disabilities, including workshops on IEP Goals. Visit their website at www.ldasandiego.org or call them at (858) 467-9158. Some of their workshops are posted on our Training Page.
"No Child Left Behind"
We have the promise of the "No Child Left Behind" act, which was signed by the President in 2002. You are the child's advocate and can seek out services to make their school experience successful.
"Teen Choices Program" San Diego Youth & Community Services A health, legal and educational advocacy program for youth (ages 9-13) "on the brink of success" For More Information, Visit Their Web Page Here
Protection and Advocacy,Inc. (PAI) is a nonprofit agency that works with people with disabilities - to protect, advocate for and advance their human and legal-rights. PAI strives to create a barrier free, inclusive society that values diversity and each individual. PAI began protecting the rights of Californians with disabilities in 1978.
The Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA) is a statewide office run by Protection & Advocacy, Inc., through a contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. OCRA employs a Clients' Rights Advocate at each regional center. The Clients' Rights Advocate is a person trained to help protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities. For more information visit their website here.
