Special Education Today

A Special Education Law Blog from the Attorneys at Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP

Vigil for the Abuse Registry (Dana’s Law/Nicky’s Law)

Posted on November 14, 2018 by KC&S Special Education Attorneys

We have represented numerous children and adults with disabilities who have been abused by caregivers in their residential schools and group homes. On occasion, the perpetrators of that abuse have been found to have previous allegations of abuse substantiated by the Disabled Person Protection Commission (DPPC). While there has been an accessible registry of individuals with criminal charges maintained by the Commonwealth’s Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, known as CORI, there has been no corresponding registry for DPPC findings. Continue reading →

Services from State Agencies for Students with Special Needs

Posted on June 21, 2013 by mjarboe

In the quest for comprehensive services for students with special needs, parents and advocates should not overlook state agencies such as the Department of Mental Health (“DMH”), the Department of Developmental Disabilities (“DDS”), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”), and the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”). While some, like DMH and DDS, devote the vast majority of their resources to adults who are no longer eligible for services from school districts, all state agencies do provide services to school-age individuals. Their services range from minimal to extensive and can include afterschool, respite, and even residential services. Each agency’s website and governing regulations (see below) describe their programs and services, as well as eligibility criteria and application procedures. Continue reading →