When you have a child who suffers from anxiety, clinical depression, or any mental health-related disability that limits their ability to attend class, your first instinct may be to turn to a trusted teacher or school administrator for help. After all, you expect your child's school to help develop an Individualized Education Plan or take other steps to protect your child and support their education. It can be terrible to learn your child's school is unwilling to provide meaningful assistance in compliance with federal education law.

Unfortunately, too many elementary, middle, and high schools fail to support students with disabilities. Despite federal law that requires public schools to accommodate these students, many children and their families face obstacles to obtaining reasonable special education support, particularly if the student's mental health prevents them from regularly attending class.

If a school fails to accommodate your student's medical or mental health needs, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can help. We can collaborate with you to develop a comprehensive strategy to fight for your child's public education. To discuss your case, contact our experienced attorneys at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. 

New York City Public Schools Sued for Failure to Provide Special Education Services 

The New York Times reports a class-action lawsuit has been filed against the New York City school system. The lawsuit contends that the school system regularly fails to provide adequate special education evaluations, support services, and education plans to students suffering from anxiety, clinical depression, and other emotional disabilities. It is alleged that the school system's chronic failure to accommodate these emotional disabilities leads to increased absenteeism. In turn, student absences make it difficult for young children to become strong readers, and it is more likely that high school students may drop out. 

Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that when schools are confronted with students unable to attend class, school system employees often advise parents to opt for homeschooling, ignore the situation entirely, or refer the parents to child welfare investigators instead of working to establish a meaningful program to evaluate the child's needs and facilitate their return to class. 

Your Child Deserves the Special Education Services They Need

At the Lento Law Firm, your student is our top priority. We can help strategize with you about the best methods to negotiate with your school. If your school refuses to provide the educational support and accommodations needed by your child, the experienced attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can lay the groundwork for filing a lawsuit. As we negotiate in good faith and demonstrate our willingness to protect your child in court, your school may decide to do the right thing and provide the support your student requires. 

To partner with the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team in protecting your child, call our offices at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.