The Children’s Services Education Unit assists children between the ages of 0-21 who are the subjects of active child protective family court cases (neglect, abuse, EOPs, TPRs, and voluntaries). CSEU staff, comprised of Education Advocates and attorneys, provide consultation and advocacy services to child welfare professionals when education issues are present.  We focus on cases where (1) the child requires an initial referral for early intervention or special education services but caseworkers and families are encountering difficulty in this process; (2) the child requires early intervention or special education services but is not receiving mandated services; or (3) the child is not in an appropriate program, be it special education or general education and requires additional services or a change in educational placement.

In addition to consultation and advocacy services, the Unit provides training to Children’s Services staff, partner agencies, parents and foster parents that will enhance their ability to identify children who require early intervention or special education services and their ability to successfully advocate for the provision of appropriate services.  The Unit also interfaces with the Early Intervention Program and the Department of Education to develop strategies that will improve access to services by children in our care.  Finally, we work to identify current resources available as well as any gaps in Children’s Services’ capacity to address the full spectrum of educational problems that our clients encounter.

The Unit currently provides consultation services and training city-wide.  Consultation services involve providing information, resources and access to staff when they are encountering difficulty regarding the Early Intervention Program, special education systems, or have general education questions.  Consultation is available to any ACS staff member, partner agency staff, parents, or other caregivers citywide.

Training topics include Early Intervention, Special Education, Day Treatment Programs, Transitions, Consent and Surrogacy, and Special Needs Advocacy for Clinicians.

You may contact any of the following individuals at the Children’s Services Education Unit for consultation services and training requests:

• Maya Cooper, Staff Attorney, at 212-442-5134
  
• Donald Lash, Staff Attorney, at 212-676-9161
  
• Roberto Romero, Education Advocate Supervisor 212-341-9669
  
• Regina Schaefer, Director, at 212-442-3030