This Equity Brief focuses on disrupting the dominant narratives around inclusion by asking the question, "Whose Voice Matters" in creating inclusive schools. Ensuring that youth from historically marginalized groups have leadership opportunities and have their voices heard is one way to support and empower them. Supporting students of…

Most efforts to understand and support self-determination have dealt solely with adolescents and adults, sometimes overlooking and excluding the foundations in early childhood that are required for successful emergence of self-determination. The purpose of this article is to share what is known about early self-determination and to suggest how…

This article examines whether running away from home mediates the link between child maltreatment and later delinquency and victimization in adolescence. Specifically, the authors tested the hypothesis that childhood physical and psychological abuse increase the risk of a child's running away from home by the time of adolescence. Running away from…

Because of what are perceived by some as potential challenges it is still commonplace for research to fail to seek the opinions of pupils with multiple and complex needs. While many such pupils do have significant communication difficulties, along with other disabilities, which are undoubtedly a constraint, it is crucial in order to be inclusive,…

Consists of a listing of public and private organizations in the United States and abroad that are interested in children's rights. Includes human rights commissions, church-sponsored groups, and groups that are part of the United Nations. Gives addresses and names of persons to contact. (DK)

Advocacy for child development programs is discussed in this document. Advocacy for child development programs is described as having two main components: (1) convincing the general public of the importance of early childhood development; and (2) persuading lawmakers to allocate funds needed to do the job well. Ten guidelines for effective…

Uses the authors' experiences in Texas to suggest some strategies that teachers and parents can use to affect the state legislative process. (MP)

Designed for surrogate parents, social workers, and educational personnel, the handbook establishes a framework for the Maine Surrogate Parent Program, in which individuals are appointed to act as advocates for exceptional students in the special education decision making process. The following procedures are outlined: (1) identification of…

Presents recommendations for parents and educators who want to affect state policies and legislation for children. (MP)

Evaluated legal representation for children in child protection proceedings, using data from a random sample of cases and attorneys in North Carolina. Results showed the attorneys, in general, produced no significant benefits for the children. Based on results, identifies particular types of effective attorneys. (NRB)

Helping child abuse victims receive the mental health treatment they need is an important component of victim advocacy with children, and benefits both the children and the criminal justice system. As part of this work, the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center at the Medical University of South Carolina and the Center for Sexual…

Presents areas requiring counselor testimony in special education hearings. Discusses types of appeals proceedings including mediation, administrative, and judicial. Describes the role of the hearing officer and delineates hearing issues. Lists situations and behaviors that the counselor should be aware of during the hearing process. (RC)

Presents a definition and historical review of organized advocacy for children and families. Discusses the differences between case and class advocacy and highlights four proven strategies for successful advocacy. (SJL)

Guidelines for promoting gifted education programs are offered, including being judicious in promotion efforts, developing support among different role groups, and strengthening support within role groups (e.g., teachers, parents, students, administrators, community leaders, policymakers, and business leaders). A cyclic model of advocacy stages is…

The module applies advocacy skill instruction to the integration of severely handicapped students. The instructor's material is presented for four competencies (understanding the concept of advocacy, factors essential for effective advocating, developing effective advocacy skills, and recognizing elements crucial to implementing an integration…