Federal law requires schools to provide Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure students with special needs get the instruction and social-emotional support they need for a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE). Every IEP is tailored to meet the student’s unique needs. If your child is being bullied or bullying other students, IEP accommodations can address these issues. But then it’s up to the school and teachers to follow the IEP — and unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Unfortunately, bullying occurs in every New Jersey school. Children with special needs are frequent ta ..read more

New Jersey takes school bullying seriously. The state’s anti-bullying laws outline the responsibility of schools and school boards to address reports of bullying and handle them effectively and efficiently. But what happens if a special needs child is the victim of bullying or accused of bullying at school? If school officials violate state policies, you could take legal action to address the problem.   Legal Recourse for Victims  Do you need help protecting your vulnerable special needs child from bullies? Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do in New Jersey:  Report ..read more

As parents and guardians, our primary responsibility is to safeguard the well-being of our children. For parents of special needs students, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment becomes even more critical. New Jersey has robust anti-bullying laws to protect all students, including those with special needs, from harassment, bullying, and intimidation (HIB). In this blog post, the team at Susan Clark Law Group LLC lays out the key aspects of New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws and the legal options available for victims. New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Laws New Jersey has comprehensive anti ..read more

Bullying is among the most concerning problems children face in school. This issue can be particularly critical for the parents of children with special needs. The experienced special education attorneys at Susan Clark Law Group LLC believe every child deserves a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment. Understanding how schools should legally address bullying and harassment in New Jersey can help protect your child’s rights. Types of Harassment and Bullying Harassment and bullying in schools come in various forms, both subtle and overt. These include:  Physical aggression So ..read more

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools must provide disabled students with a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment possible. If you have issues obtaining help for your disabled student, the New Jersey special education attorneys at Susan Clark Law Group LLC want to help. What is the Least Restrictive Environment? The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a term used to describe the educational setting that provides the most appropriate education for students with disabilities while still allowing them to be in the s ..read more

Every parent or guardian wants to feel confident their student is making meaningful progress in their educational environment, especially when that child has a disability. While Individualized Education Program (IEP) progress reports should relay this information, many do not provide the statistical data necessary to understand whether students are making considerable improvements. What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Progress Report? An IEP progress report is a way to measure a student’s progression toward their IEP goals, both academically and behaviorally. A special needs child ..read more

Parents of students with special needs may wish to record their meetings with school officials when drafting an individualized education program (IEP). Documentation is important for parents if they need to review what happened later or resolve disputes over what was said. But what does the law in New Jersey say about recording IEP meetings? What is an IEP Meeting? An IEP meeting is a proceeding in which the parents or guardians of a student with special needs design an instructional plan with school officials. The purpose is to ensure the child receives a free appropriate public education (FA ..read more

If you care for a child with a disability, their needs will inevitably change as they grow into adulthood. In New Jersey, a child becomes a legal adult at age 18. As they approach the age of majority, it’s important to consider whether they need a guardian. Guardianship can protect a vulnerable person’s needs and ensure decisions are made in their best interests. Legal Guardianship for Young Adults with Disabilities When adolescents reach 18, their parents no longer have the automatic legal authority to serve as caregivers. Suppose your young adult child has a disability that prevents them fro ..read more

Whether it’s due to a developmental disability, physical injury, or a cognitive disorder, some disabled adults need a legal guardian to make important life decisions for them. When a New Jersey court determines that an adult is incapacitated, it can appoint a guardian to make decisions on the individual’s behalf. Courts also evaluate the extent of the adult’s incapacitation and what types of supervision they need. There are different types of guardianships for disabled adults in New Jersey. Keep reading to learn more about what might be appropriate for your loved one, or contact a Freehold gua ..read more

Every parent wants the best education for their child. For children with special needs, that often means creating an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) with the school. This happens in an IEP meeting that includes the parents/guardians, special education team, therapists, counselors, special education advocates — and if needed or wanted, a lawyer. Students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and New Jersey law. When a student is deemed eligible for special education, an IEP outlines how ..read more