Embed civil legal services into school settings to ensure kids and families succeed. A quality education can provide a route out of poverty, but even the smartest student can’t focus if her mother is struggling to put food on the table. By helping families access food stamps and other public benefits, Legal Aid removes barriers and paves paths of hope. Legal Aid also secures and protects special education accommodations; resolves issues at home that negatively impact a student’s academic potential; and advocates for safe and supportive school environments.
Transformative Idea:
- Embed civil legal services into school settings to ensure kids and families succeed
Rationale:
- Say Yes to Education already engages with Legal Aid attorneys to ensure civil justice for families in Cleveland schools. Together, we resolve legal issues related to housing, barriers to employment, family law problems, benefits, income, and debt issues. Read more at this link.
Estimated Cost:
- Depends on size of school/district.
Source of Funds:
- State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (FRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief
- Fund (ESSER Fund)