I can't afford a lawyer, but I want to get services for my special needs child that the school district is
457433
I'm not sure exactly who you should go to, but you might try speaking with a local Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (link below).  They handle discrimination cases and that type of thing - if the school is denying your child services that he needs, then I'm pretty sure they can help you with this at no cost to you.  \n\nIf your child hasn't officially been diagnosed as special needs, however, the school is probably not obligated to offer extra services.  In any case, the teacher should be making modifications of her instruction to reach all students no matter what level they are performing at (research the term "differentiated instruction").\n\nOther possibilities (though I don't know much about using services from these entities so I may be wrong) might be a legal aid office or the attorney general's office.  \n\nI would highly recommend documenting every conversation you have had with teachers, administrators, etc., on this subject (you might even considering putting a voice recorder on your telephone, or carrying one with you when you speak in person - in most states this is legal as long as one person participating in the conversation is aware of it, but I'd recommend checking the laws for your state).  Also document the actions they've taken (firing the aide) and all the correspondence they send you (the letter about the teacher's credentials).  Documentation goes a long way in legal proceedings if your situation goes to that extreme - it will probably also give you some leverage at the IEP meeting if someone says something that you can disprove based on your detailed, accurate records. (Be sure to keep your records factual though, don't make assumptions about what you thought you saw or understood).\n\nI would also recommend going above the principal's head to the superintendent and asking to see a copy of the teacher's license/certification.  It should state whether or not the teacher has special ed credentials.\n\nBest of luck to you!
918949
Talk with the principal immediately. It is completely ridiculous that your child should be left to suffer for the sake of the lowest common denominator. Fight on behalf of your child.
510160
Contact the bar Association of PA and ask for some referrals...Good luck!
89094
You need to talk to an attorney.
1168280
If he owes child surport than go call legal-aid and get the number to a Pro-Bone-O Lawyer they are free if you have good reason for your search for aleast good advice.\n\nIf your just trying to track him down to find him for no reason's would also ask for legal ways of search to cover yourself.
803632
As a minor, you should have an advocate assigned to you. Petition the judge with a politely written letter.\n\nThe situation is not easy, and in many states Child services is a chronic scandal occasionally rising to the level of criminality.
784825
You need to get in contact with a lawyer.
242166
Read the paperwork from the specialist that come along with the child to school also contact there specialist and they can explain it. Also go to appointments with the child if parent permits it. It helps
413198
have you tried your local bar association in your state. or even legal aid in your state. your son has a right to get an education like all the other kids. also look on the IDEA website for your right. also www.wrightslaw.com. i hope this helps.
264864
If you can't afford a private attorney to deal with a guardianship matter, probably your best bet would be to ask the relevant court to appoint an attorney to handle the matter.  Other than that, you could check with your local bar association to see if they could help you find an attorney willing to take such a case pro bono.
236635
Do research on the Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (two FEDERAL laws relating to special education).  Once you are well informed of those laws, talk to the principal of your child's school.  If they refuse to cooperate there are steps you can take to order them to do the procedures, such as filing a formal complaint - in court
528625
Call your local bar association and get a referral. They will be able to help you find a lawyer who can help you.\n\nIMO, you can't afford to *NOT* get an attorney.
1124526
I suggest you contact your district courthouse (city or county) and ask them. Also, contact the law schools in your area. Many of them offer legal aid.
1037633
Frank,\nYou might try  Public aid. They maybe able to refer you to a public defender.\nTunes19572003@yahoo.com
394950
Your state should have a legal aid helpline.  Not sure where you live but do a Yahoo! search and type in your state's name and legal help and you should be able to find something there.  They might be able to give you advice for free because of your limited income.
15070
While you're doing all of this document everything.  Everything your daughter tells you write down.  Document days and times and content of conversations with school officials.  Give fact and not opinion of the conversation.\n\nIf the super won't help or doesn't diffuse the situation.  Speak to the school board.  They are community members just like you.\n\nLastly if none of this works go to an attorney.\nBut first go through the whole chain of command.
1164855
Contact your local Child Protective Services department.  They can lead you in all neccessary directions.