Child Advocacy Project
A Joint Project of Pro Bono Law Ontario and the Community Legal Clinic The Child Advocacy Project (CAP) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the legal rights of children and youth across the Central East Region of Ontario. CAP lawyers provide free legal services to: - Students who are involved in the Special Education process
- Children and youth who are at risk of being suspended or expelled
- Young people who are living independently
CAP lawyers may provide summary advice, advocacy, mediation, and full representation for children and youth in: - Identification Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) meetings, and appeals before the Special Education Appeal Board and the Special Education Tribunal
- Suspension and expulsion hearings and appeals
- Test-case litigation related to everyone's constitutional right to education.
CAP is a registered project of Pro Bono Law Ontario, and is conducted in partnership with The Community Legal Clinic - Simcoe, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes. The volunteer lawyers who take CAP cases are all experienced and trained in Education Law. CAP lawyers work for free.
Q. Who is eligible for CAP assistance?
A. The spirit of the CAP program is to assist youth and their families who would otherwise be unable to afford a lawyer. Each person is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Q. Will it cost me anything to see a lawyer?
A. CAP lawyers work for free, however it will be your responsibility to pay any incidental charges such as photocopying, filing fees, etc. (disbursements). Q. How much will a CAP lawyer do for my child?
A. It varies by case. Your lawyer will discuss with you the extent of their involvement in your case at the first meeting. Q. Will a lawyer accompany my child to the IPRC hearing?
A. Yes. CAP lawyers can accompany your child to the IPRC hearing, as well as advocate and mediate on his/her behalf with school boards. Q. We live outside of Toronto: are there any CAP lawyers to help my child?
A. CAP is a province-wide program. Pro Bono Law Ontario will try to find a lawyer in your community who is able to assist your child.
If you are under 18 and having a legal problem in school or elsewhere, contact Jody Maltby, Project Administrator, 1-800-461-8953, ext 31, or by email at maltbyj@lao.on.ca
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