Youth with Special Education Needs: Breaking the School and Delinquency Connection

Schools are increasingly overwhelmed by the needs of students with behavioral disabilities and frequently become the gateway to a juvenile justice system not equipped to meet the students' needs. This show will explore how the education system can work to divert youth from the juvenile justice system, including how schools can better support the behavioral needs of students and appropriately use the disciplinary process available to them. Guests will also outline advocacy strategies for the legal community representing youth to ensure that students have enhanced educational opportunities through the reduced use of suspension and expulsion options and linking youth with individualized educational services. Guests: Kristin Hildebrant, Supervising Attorney, Ohio Legal Rights Service Susan G. Tobin, Chief Legal Counsel, Ohio Legal Rights Service