Littman Krooks Obtains Services for NYC Child Denied FAPE

White Plains, NY (Law Firm Newswire) February 21, 2013 – A teen with special needs finally receives appropriate services after legal intervention.

New York Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney Bernard Krooks

The Special Education Team at Littman Krooks LLP successfully obtained a residential placement, an audiological evaluation and compensatory services for a boy with an intellectual disability and severe speech and language deficits. This child had been denied a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) by the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) for over two years.

Littman Krooks represented a 16-year-old homeless boy, diagnosed with an intellectual disability and severe language deficits. For over two years, NYCDOE failed to provide the boy with a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Instead of placing him in the 12:1:1 special class mandated by his Individualized Education Program (IEP), the boy was placed in an integrated co-teaching class in a large school with minimal supports.

He languished there, developed debilitating depression and emotional issues, was bullied and received no educational benefit from the inappropriate program. He regressed at the hands of the NYCDOE, who did nothing, despite his mother’s concerted efforts to obtain FAPE for her son.

Instead, the NYCDOE prevented his mother from meaningfully participating by denying her an interpreter and failing to offer documents in Spanish. There was nothing left for this family to do but seek legal help.

Upon meeting with the boy and his mother, the attorneys, who comprise the Special Education Team at Littman Krooks, gathered and reviewed all the necessary documents, submitted a Due Process Complaint and prepared for trial. After a four-day hearing and the submission of a post hearing brief, the Impartial Hearing Officer ordered that the NYCDOE find an appropriate residential program, develop an appropriate IEP, conduct an audiological evaluation and provide compensatory services.

Due to the attorneys’ knowledge and expertise in Special Education and their substantial efforts, this young boy now has the opportunity to make real progress in a free and appropriate public placement.

About Littman Krooks
Littman Krooks LLP provides sophisticated legal advice and the high level of expertise ordinarily associated with large law firms along with the personal attention and responsiveness of smaller firms. These ingredients, which are the cornerstone of effective representation and necessary to a successful lawyer/client relationship, have become the foundation of the firm’s success.

Littman Krooks LLP offers legal services in several areas of law, including elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, special education advocacy, and corporate and securities. Their offices are located at 399 Knollwood Road, White Plains, New York; 655 Third Avenue, New York, New York; and 300 Westage Business Center Drive, Fishkill, New York. For more information about Littman Krooks LLP, visit the website at: www.littmankrooks.com.

New York Contact:
Maria M. Brill
Littman Krooks LLP
(914) 684-2100
mbrill@littmankrooks.com

New York City Office
655 Third Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10017
(212) 490-2020 Phone

Westchester Office
399 Knollwood Road
White Plains, New York 10603
(914) 684-2100 Phone

Dutchess Office
300 Westage Business Center Drive, Suite 400
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845) 896-1106 Phone

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