Anand Advocates

Should You Keep Children Out of Your Divorce Discussions? Find Out Why

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

There are numerous Divorce Education Centers that are available to families particularly parents who are considering divorce or separation. These centers are mainly concerned firstly about the impact on children, in fact they consider themselves in the role of Primary Advocates for children and at the same time offer excellent advice to the parents.

From what we understand these Centers for Divorce Education are in fact Non Profit organizations created to offer advice and also educate those who are contemplating divorce in regards to divorce related issues.

There are many who think twice about a divorce or separation , which is a good thing , but they do so mainly because of the thought of going through court proceedings or because of the very negative effect on the children, especially if the children are still at a young age, unfortunately this does not resolve the problems.

Unfortunately children are invariably subjected to the rather negative side when parents are divorcing, they hear the ongoing complaints about money problems, sometimes they are exposed to some rather strong language and in some instances they may witness physical abuse.

Children who are caught in the middle of this scenario are very often according to the experts left with very negative scenes firmly implanted in their minds that take many years before they find themselves back to normal. Parents should learn the effective methods of keeping children out of divorce conflicts and these Divorce Centers come highly recommended for resolving many problems in this area.

Knowing how to communicate with each other helps the parents to address the problems and the issues in a responsible manner and in doing so eliminates to some degree some of the problems that could well be passed on to the children.

Children should not be caught in the middle of a divorce situation and parents who are contemplating divorce should be fully aware that there are facilities available to then that will offer sound education, which in the end is invariably good for all parties.

If you are at the stage of divorce or separation, consider the help that is available from Divorce Education Centers, you may find that the help they offer may very well change your mind.

Lack of Stability for Foster Children Decreases Academic Performance

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

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/ )

Special Education Advocates Role in Advocating For Children With Disabilities

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

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.