CLC calls for change to combat deeply rooted problems in DC's foster care system in its testimony at the Performance Oversight Hearing of the Child and Family Services Agency.

In its testimony at the Performance Oversight Hearing of the DC Department of Mental Health, CLC challenged DMH to address the lack of appropriate mental health services for the city's children.

CLC testified at the Performance Oversight Hearing of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, commenting on its special education placement process, Early Intervention program and school stability for foster children.

CLC testified in support of extending adoption and guardianship subsidies until youth turn 21.  CLC has long advocated for this change, which will help scores of children to leave foster care.

CLC testified at the Performance Oversight Hearing of the Department of Health Care Finance, focusing  on three key priorities to make Medicaid more effective and efficient for DC's children.

CLC testified before the Committee on Human Services on the importance of supporting older teens in foster care, including those who will age out of the system.

CLC submitted comments to the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education regarding proposed regulations requiring all public and public charter schools to create codes of conduct. CLC recommended steps to minimize suspensions and expulsions, as well as harmful restraints.

As many as 50 percent of foster children are victims of identity theft. CLC testifies in support of bill to require CFSA to obtain credit reports of older youth in foster care.

CLC testified before the Committee on Housing and Workforce Development in support of the Tenant Access to Justice Reform Act of 2009. This bill will give tenants access to landlord-tenant court, allowing them to sue when they are forced to live in unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions, such as mold, lead paint and rodent and insect infestations, ultimately leading to healthier children.

OSSE proposed revised regulations governing the special education responsibilities of charter schools and the school placement of children with disabilities enrolled in charter schools and special education dispute resolution procedures and timelines.

CLC testified at a DC Council hearing regarding the Information Sharing to Improve Services for Children & Families Act. This bill would allow a large number of people to have access to the otherwise confidential records of children involved with the court system. CLC believes this bill would be detrimental to children and families and urged the Council not to pass the legislation.

OSSE promulgated regulations and policies regarding Early Intervention Services in the District. CLC testified at the hearing and commended OSSE for issuing these needed policies and offered suggestions for improvement.

Children’s Law Center testified at the hearing on the Jacks-Fogle Family Preservation Case Coordination Authorization Act.  CLC supports the goal of the act to improve the provision and management of government benefits and services to support families in crisis.  CLC did express significant concerns about how the Act would attempt to achieve those goals.

OSSE issued a proposed policy statement regarding special education evaluations.  CLC submitted comments urging revisions to comply with federal law and more effectively resolve common problems.

OSSE issued a proposed policy statement regarding the provision of related services to children with disabilities.  CLC submitted comments urging revisions to more effectively address common problems facing children and families.

OSSE held a hearing on six (6) proposed regulations and policies. CLC submitted testimony on dispute resolution meeting, due process timelines, charter schools’ special education obligations, evaluation / reevaluation and related services policies.

CLC testified regarding the Mayor’s budget gap closing proposal for fiscal year 2010 and how to pay for important programs for children and families.

OSSE proposed regulations governing the special education responsibilities of charter schools and the school placement of children with disabilities enrolled in charter schools.  CLC submitted comments urging revisions to ensure compliance with federal law on school placement decisions and to avoid incentives for charter schools to discriminate against children with disabilities.

OSSE proposed regulations governing the special education dispute resolution process and timelines for resolving special education due process complaints.  CLC’s submitted comments suggesting ways to improve this process and resolve more cases without delaying due process hearings.

The Department of Health Care Finance issued proposed regulations defining medical necessity under Medicaid.  CLC submitted comments that suggested some specific changes to conform to federal law and ensure the children of DC are provided with the medical care to which they are entitled.