Students Who Are Court-Involved Probation Youth
and Foster Youth Need Education Advocacy:

The Juvenile Courts hold immense power over the fate of delinquent and dependent youth.  Educational issues can play a critical role in court dispositions, placement, and overall child outcomes.  Between 50% and 67% of children in California foster care have disabilities that significantly impair their functioning.

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health estimates that youth with significant mental health problems or Special Education needs comprise 30 to 70% of the 18,000 children locked up at the three juvenile halls in LA County.  Given the power of the courts, and the overwhelming prevalence of of disabilities and mental health problems in court-involved youth populations, Learning Rights is committed to advocating for these youth when they have education legal issues.  Additionally, Learning Rights will educate bench officers and minors’ attorneys regarding education issues, rights, and their potential effect on childrens’ case outcomes.

By working with the Juvenile Court system and reporting relevant educational issues in dependency and delinquency proceedings, Learning Right hopes to achieve positive outcomes for its clients and simultaneously effectuate structural reform in the way Juvenile Courts conduct their business.