The Child & Family Law Center

Newsletter September, 2016
Ten Ideas for Starting the School Year Off for Students with IEPS
By Micki Moran, J.D.

1. Assess priorities. Are the issues and concerns the same as they were when the IEP was written?
  • Has there been a change over the summer?
  • Are there recent evaluations that should be considered?
  • Changes in medication, behavior or family structure? 
  • If the answer is yes to any of the suggestions, you should let the school know and request a meeting.
  • Are the goals still relevant or do they need to be revised?

Revisions to the Illinois Juvenile Justice Act
By Sharon Falen, J.D.

As of January 1, 2017, several changes will be made to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 under Public Act 99-628. First, the new law limits placement on the Department of Justice for felony offenses and first degree murder. No minor may be sentenced to the Department for a Class 4 felony offense, which includes the following: criminal trespass to residence, criminal damage to property, criminal damage to government supported property, criminal defacement of property, disorderly conduct and obstructing justice. Next, the age of juveniles for whom the Department of Juvenile Justice is responsible is raised from seventeen years of age and under to eighteen years of age and under. Juveniles in the Department must be separated from adult offenders in the Department of Corrections.
Changes to Illinois School Law Regarding Discipline-Effective September 15, 2016
By Sharon Falen, J.D.

Signed into law in August 2015, Senate Bill 100 amends the School Code and becomes effective on September 15, 2016.  On or before that time, every elementary and secondary school, whether a public or charter school, must comply with the new law.  The law applies equally to general and special education curriculum.  First, as part of the parent-teacher advisory committee, school boards must ensure that the committee addresses school discipline, including such topics as student searches in school and bullying prevention.  Of significance, the law also establishes that school districts must cooperate with local law enforcement agencies in establishing a reciprocal reporting system between the district and the agency for students who have committed criminal offenses.  School are encouraged to create a "memoranda of understanding" on the role of law enforcement agencies in school so that interaction with the police is clear.

Abuse of Parenting Time
By Sharon Falen, J.D.

A common problem that parents entangled in divorce or parentage proceedings have encountered is what consequences, if any, the other parent faces if he or she does not exercise parenting time (formerly known as "visitation") or, in other words, if the other parent refuses to cooperate with the parenting time schedule as ordered.  Under the former law, there were few avenues that a parent could take to resolve this issue, absent asking the Court to modify the agreement, requiring proof at a hearing of a "substantial change in circumstances."  Lack of cooperation between the parents affects the best interests of the minor children, who benefit from a consistent schedule with both parents.

Special Education Mini-Course:
Jump Start your School Year and Get the Most out of your IEP!

Presented by Micki Moran, J.D.

Friday, September 16, 2016
1:00-3:00 p.m.

The Child & Family Law Center
1950 Sheridan Road, Suite 201
Highland Park, IL 60035

RSVP to Karen Royko. 847-926-0101 or karenr@lawforchild.com

 
Announcements!



Please visit our new website SpecialNeedsDivorceIllinois.com.
We have been representing special needs families for nearly 20 years in all aspects of family law. Our website will provide up to date information and resources to our clients and others. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Free Consultations!
We now offer free consultations on selected Family Law and Guardianship matters. Please call our office at 847-926-0101 for more information.

Have you heard about The Brooke Whitted Center?
The BWC is a specialized transitional living program in Chicago that helps college-bound emerging adults struggling with mental health challenges, or who are on the autism spectrum, achieve self-directed living. Participants discover new ways to gain coping skills, learn to become self reliant and set a course for a productive life. 
Contact the BWC for more information.  773- 420-2596
Upcoming Events and Presentations


Awakening the Autism Entrepreneur Workshop
Hosted by Have Dreams
September 16 and 17, 2016
Chicago, IL

Resolving Parent Disputes: Strategies and Options
Presented by Micki Moran, J.D. and Scott Uhler, J.D.
Illinois Association of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) Conference.
September 29, 2016
Tinley Park, IL

Advocacy for IEPs and 504s
Presented by Micki Moran, J.D.
Hinsdale Central PTO Parent Network
October 13, 7:00 p.m.
Hinsdale, IL
About Us
 
The Child & Family Law Center, founded by Micki Moran in 1995, is a unique legal practice that specializes in providing services to families and children in the areas of Special Education, IEP Consultation, Guardianship, Juvenile Law, Criminal Law, Mental Health Law, DCFS, Divorce and Parental Responsibility, Parenting Agreements, and Mediation.

We provide representation in Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane and Will Counties.

Please call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

The Child & Family Law Center
1950 Sheridan Road, Suite 201
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone (847)926-0101
Fax (847)926-8500
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