More than six million children in the United States, ranging in age from infancy to 21 years, are eligible for special education services at no cost to their parents. The dedicated team help clients throughout Pennsylvania ensure that their children receive the special education services to which they are entitled under the law.
We provide education consulting and advocacy to families who need support. We are zealous advocates for our clients helping them understand the process and the way the education system works. We know what your child is entitled to and we work hard to make sure they are able to get what they need.
When we were kids, school discipline was pretty simple. If a student misbehaved he or she might be sent to the principal’s office, given detention or, in rare cases, he or she might face school suspension. Expulsion was almost unheard of. Like so much in our education system, school discipline has changed and become much more complicated – so complicated that the education lawyers at Raffaele & Associates are often called upon to help our clients navigate through the school law legal system.
There are certain telephone calls that no parent ever wants to receive. Near the top of that list is the call telling you your child has been arrested. Juveniles are not immune from the law. When they break it, they are, like adults, subject to arrest and prosecution.
Colleges, universities and other institutions of higher education that receive federal funding are prohibited from discriminating against students, or potential students, based on protected characteristics such as age, race, national origin, disability and sex. All students must be provided with equal access to education in an environment that is free from discrimination.
While the law treats children differently from adults in many respects, children have legal rights. Furthermore, while children’s rights are not necessarily less than those of adults, they are often different. School-age children are required to comply with school policies, for example, yet they retain the First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, religion and assembly, provided that the exercise of such rights does not disrupt the educational process. An array of additional federal, state and local laws protect children’s civil rights.
Many people think estate planning is only relevant to wealthy individuals with millions of dollars. In truth, everyone can benefit from an estate plan.
In many cases a guardianship is required in order for a family member or other caregiver to continue to manage and provide for the needs of an individual with disabilities or a minor.
A Durable Financial Power of Attorney is a written and revocable document that allows you to appoint another individual who is competent and at least 18 years old, called an attorney-in-fact, to act in your place.
Transition to adulthood is a pivotal time for young people. It requires careful planning for their future in terms of education, pre-employment transition services, and transition into independent living. We can help support families and school teams with guidance through disability transition.
We believe that every child has a right to find their forever home as well as everyone who desires to be a parent has the opportunity to do so. We help support parents through the process of adoption which can seem overwhelming.
