Anand Advocates

Archive for September, 2011

Vaccines are such a hot topic these days and one that causes moms to question what the “right” decision is. Should I vaccinate or not? How do I make the right decision for my children?

I know, I’m a mom, and it’s on my mind too.

There are medical professionals out there who will tell you (whether you ask their opinion or not) all the reasons you should vaccinate, including the health risks if you don’t and all the research to prove it.

There are other medical professionals who are on the fence about vaccinating using the current schedule (administering multiple vaccines at the same time).

Then there are many chiropractors and alternative healers who are advocates for not vaccinating their children. Their kids attend school (I’m talking about NY), are healthy and they have the documentation and research to prove that vaccines are harmful to your child’s health.

Who’s right? That is a question for the ages and one that I’m not sure has a definite answer.

What is MOST important is what YOU think is right for your child. DO the research, ASK your pediatrician, TALK with other moms and MAKE your decision. Then feel good about your decision. That is what is most important at the end of the day. Feel good and stand confidently behind your decision.

Here’s a few resources I’ve found very helpful. If you have your own please share them with others who are seeking to better understand (by posting on mommy chat forum-see below).

Are you the parent of a child with autism or other disability? Would you like to know what an advocate does in the special education process? Do you wonder if a special education advocate could help you in fighting for needed services, for your child? This article will explain what the role of a special education advocate is, and whether they could help you advocate for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for your child.

There is currently no certification for special education advocates! This is the reason why it is sometimes difficult to find one that is knowledgeable, and has expertise in special education.

The role of a special education advocate is to:

1. Have a working knowledge of state and federal laws that cover special education, and know how to use them to advocate for children. Federal law is Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Each state is required to have a law that must comply with IDEA.

2. Understand different types of disabilities and have experience advocating for children of different disabilities

3. Take time to know the child, and work with the parent to determine what services and placement a child needs, and advocate for them! This may require the parent getting an independent educational evaluation with a qualified evaluator.

4. Educate parents as to research based practices, as well as best practices. IDEA requires, that curriculum and programs be scientifically research based, which parents need to understand.

5. Have knowledge of different school districts and also how to advocate with different personalities of special education personnel. People are all different and the advocate must understand the best way to deal with the different personalities.

6. Act in a professional manner, whenever possible, to help parents get needed special education services and placements for their child. A good advocate is firm and refuses to back down when intimidated by special education personnel.

7. Teach parents advocacy skills so that they may learn how to advocate for their child!

A special education advocate can be extremely helpful in advocating for your child. If you think an advocate could help you check out your local disability organizations, and see if they have an advocate on staff. Check organizations such as a Center of Independent Living, Parent Training and Advocacy Centers (available in all states). If you hire a private advocate make sure you check their credentials, and make sure that they have experience with children with your child’s type of disability. This will ensure that the advocate understands what your child needs, and will be able to advocate for them.

Foster children are a silent minority among the nation’s youth. Parental drug abuse, neglect, and abandonment are a few reasons children are removed from their parents.

When children are placed into protective custody they can face multiple out of home placements. The very young are placed in emergency foster homes, while older children may be placed in group homes or agency shelters while they wait for a foster family placement.

What this means for older children is that they lack a family home with parental figures and stability. Further, it interrupts a child’s education. School attendance may have been inconsistent while with their parents, but over the course of their time in foster care, children may have many moves. They can move from foster home to foster home and from school to school. The result can lower the child’s academic interest and performance.

While many social workers and foster families try hard to protect and care for these children, the fact is that with so many moves we are losing this segment of our nation’s youth. A recent article from AOL News* indicated that the new face of homelessness in America is youth exiting the foster care system. Lack of extended family, social resources, education, and job skills has led to an exodus of young adults unprepared to care of themselves.

The ‘system’ can’t raise these children alone. Children, regardless of circumstance, need stability, family ties, a sense of community, job skills, and education. It is a community effort that few know about or participate in.

Volunteering to help these children is not difficult. Donating children’s books to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) or your local Department of Human Services can be a start. This can increase literacy and foster a love of reading and academics. In addition, people in every community can become mentors and provide a stable influence in the life of a child in foster care.

The foster care system is complex and flawed, and governed by strict laws which protect the privacy of each child. Although these laws are meant to protect children, it also alienates the general public from the needs of this ‘closed society’. However, it does not bar people from getting involved, and learning how they can help. When communities reach out to this silent minority they can help these children succeed in their education and in life.

Ultimately, the results will become evident when we see children leaving the foster care system with a strong foundation and a solid education. Then this silent minority will be more prepared to go on to college, join the work force, and become the young men and women they were meant to be. It all starts with a community who cares, and an education that will prepare them for life.

It starts with us.

*( http://www.aolnews.com/2010/10/19/generation-homeless-young-adults-put-new-face-on-old-problem/ )