Families

ERC believes in all children, and champions every child’s right to stay in school, make appropriate progress and meet challenging objectives. We focus on two key barriers children often face: special education and student discipline.

In Nebraska, over 54,000 students are identified as having special education needs, and more than 26,000 live in under-resourced families who are unable to pay for counsel and struggle to get help. We know that special education law is complex and can be daunting for families. Without assistance, children with special needs are often underserved. They are also far more likely to be suspended from school or to find themselves in the Juvenile Justice system.

Students who are disciplined in Nebraska have very specific rights and responsibilities through administrative proceedings that are very time-sensitive and content-specific. We know that what is most important for every family is that their child is able to attend school in a setting that fully meets the child’s needs. We assist with manifestation determination hearings and discipline hearings before school employees and school boards.

ERC is building an Alliance of Education Advocates. For Families:

• We provide direct representation to those whose annual income is 250% or less than the federal poverty guidelines or who have been appointed to us by the Juvenile Court.
• We provide Consultations (where we talk through issues without undertaking representation) regardless of family income;
• We collaborate with other entities that families may be working with, we provide free webinars & training, and we are creating a curated Library that families can use to conduct their own research.