Special Education Services
For Your Child
Special Education Services
Parents of students with disabilities must deal not only with the issues of raising an exceptional child, but the complicated process of obtaining and implementing special education services. Although the law requires districts to work cooperatively with parents, in many cases this does not happen and parents must seek the help of a special needs attorney to protect their rights and the rights of their child.We assist with the process of referral for special education service, related testing and evaluation of district reports, and development of an appropriate Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Often having skilled advocacy early in the process can help children receive the appropriate special needs placement and avoid more costly legal battles later. Placement is an integral part of meeting the unique needs of your child and Ms. Toback works with parents and district as a team to determine what is most appropriate and with the district to implement However, when the district denies necessary services or makes decisions that do not address the child's unique needs, parents have the right to challenge those decisions. The primary mechanism for these challenges is the Due Process Hearing. Leejanice Toback has a great deal of experience in representing children in due process hearings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While most Due Process Hearings resolve through informal or formal mediation, we have had much success in those cases which have proceeded to decision. On occasion, the decisions of the Office of Administrative Hearing are appealed to the Federal District Court. Ms. Toback is admitted to practice in both the Federal District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
School and Residential Placement Services
When your child’s mental health and behavior makes a more restrictive environment necessary, I partner with parents to find solutions. Every child is unique, and every recommendation I make is personalized to the family’s needs. I work with parents and involve the student every step of the way. I collaborate with families to find residential treatment facilities, therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness treatment, and young adult transitional programs. I maintain extensive contact with key persons in charge of various programs, and frequently travel to visit schools and programs throughout the U.S. I am also very familiar with a wide array of day and private schools for students with learning differences. Unlike educational and placement consultants, I am able to obtain School District funding for a variety of programs and can counsel parents in advance as to which placements are eligible. I offer a free phone consultation to help you determine if my school placement services are the best fit for your family’s needs.
Juvenile Court Services
Children with special needs have an above-average probability of coming into contact with the criminal justice system. In addition to our special needs placement services, we handle juvenile court proceedings against qualified special education students. Judges and prosecutors in juvenile and criminal courts, when made aware of the impact of disabilities by an experienced special education attorney, can often be persuaded to grant a favorable result. Based on her prior experience as an Assistant District Attorney, along with her years of experience as a special education attorney, Ms. Toback brings a unique perspective to the representation of juveniles in criminal matters.