Special Education Program

All children with learning disabilities and developmental delays are entitled by law to specific special education services that address their areas of disabilities. Children in foster care face unique challenges. Many are frequently moved from one foster home to another and one school to another. Without a parent or consistent caregiver to oversee or advocate for them, they are less likely to receive assessments or educational services necessary for success. They fall further and further behind, often becoming withdrawn and acting out.

In response to this growing crisis, The Alliance for Children's Rights Special Education Program is designed to level the playing field for children in foster care who have learning disabilities and delays, but seldom receive the benefit of an educational program tailored to meet their special needs. Alliance staff, dedicated pro bono attorneys and law students provide direct advocacy for these children and also work to educate and empower their caregivers.

Trainings
A core component of the Special Education is training foster parents and guardians to be strong advocates for the children in their care, as well as training pro bono attorneys and other volunteer advocates. Through regular workshops and comprehensive manuals, The Alliance is helping to shed light on the rights, responsibilities and specific steps involved in providing foster children with the best possible education.

• One-half of all children in foster care have learning disabilities and developmental delays


• One-third of all children in foster care perform BELOW their academic grade level


• One-half of all children in foster will not graduate from high school


• Less than 10% of all children in foster care will attend college

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