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FAMILIES & CHILDREN

EXAMPLES OF CASES WE HANDLE INCLUDE:

  • Special education cases for public school students with disabilities
  • Uncontested Relative custody (Monroe County only)
  • Assist youth leaving foster care resolve civil legal problems
  • Dissolution of marriage cases for people with children in their custody (Monroe County only)
  • Permanent injunctions for domestic violence victims (Monroe County only)

PROJECTS

Children’s Advocacy Project
Children’s Health Access Initiative
Children's Legal Medical Clinic

Children’s Advocacy Project

Many children require legal advocacy to resolve problems associated with receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, Medicaid, and special education so that they can achieve their full developmental potential and have the opportunity to experience a successful and productive adulthood. The Children's Advocacy Project ensures that children who are struggling in school receive the educational services and accommodations necessary to make academic progress, and that they obtain SSI disability benefits.

The Project’s Special Education Initiative represents children and their parents before the Miami Dade County and Monroe County Public schools to 1) request formal evaluations of the child, 2) establish the child's eligibility for Exceptional Student Education (ESE), 3) create Individualized Education Plans with appropriate services and accommodations, and 4) appeal School District decisions to deny ESE services and accommodations. The Special Education Initiative also appeals inappropriate disciplinary actions such as suspensions and expulsions for children who have already been determined eligible for the ESE program.

This Project Initiative is funded in part by the Florida Bar Foundation.

Click Here for more information on Special Education

The Project’s SSI and Medicaid Initiative represents disabled children in administrative law proceedings to obtain SSI disability benefits and Medicaid. Legal representation is critical because, with the assistance of an attorney, almost 90% of the benefit denials are reversed at the administrative hearing level, obtaining much needed income and Medicaid for disabled children.

This Project Initiative is funded in part by the Florida Bar Foundation and McDermott Will & Emery, LLP.

Click here for a flier on Children's Disability. Spanish | Creole

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Children’s Health Access Initiative

The Children’s Health Access Initiative represents the parents of Miami-Dade County’s poorest and sickest children to help them obtain the health care services and financial assistance their children need so that they can live at home with their families, lead healthy and productive lives, and achieve their highest level of functioning. The Children’s Health Access Initiative also advocates for systemic corrective action which benefits critically ill and disabled children throughout Florida.

This Project is funded in part by the Allegany Franciscan Ministries.

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Children's Legal Medical Clinic

Children living in poverty face unique barriers to health and development due to legal problems that fall outside the influence of even the most advocacy-minded doctor. Unmet legal needs, in areas including housing, public benefits and special education, jeopardize a child's health. Through the Children's Legal Medical Clinic LSGMI partners with children's health care providers who refer their patients for legal assessment and advocacy when a non-medical obstacle is impairing the overall health of a child.

Medical-Legal Partnerships Help Kids Succeed: The Shriver Brief
Legal Services of Greater Miami also participates in a Children's Health Advocacy Project with South Miami Children's Clinic. Kevin Probst, an Equal Justice...Read More

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