Special Education

Juvenile judges frequently encounter delinquency and truancy cases that are linked to poor school performance. National studies have shown that up to 40% of a juvenile court caseload can involve undiagnosed learning disabilities.

The Fund has established a Special Education Advocate to provide expertise in this area. Highly trained in the Special Education field, the Advocate determines what, if any, learning disabilities are present and how they should be addressed. Equally important, the Advocate takes the lead with the child’s school and school system to cut through red tape, put an appropriate plan and support team in place, and assure follow-through.

Early intervention, ideally by middle school age, can change how a child with learning disabilities relates to school—with important implications for his or her behavior and relationships. In addition to helping the child and family get an education plan in place, the Advocate assists schools with behavior management issues that could otherwise lead to a new referral to the Court.

With only one Advocate in place, the Court cannot refer all cases that could benefit from Special Education review. Increased funding is important to develop more capacity in this crucial area.