Children’s Law Clinic Resources

When first speaking with the student and his or her family, either over the phone or in person, it is essential to gather the following information:

• the procedural stage of the case (initial hearing, superintendent review, board of education review, judicial review);
• basic demographic information on student, including age, grade, school, school district, and whether student has been identified as a child with special needs receiving special education services;
• a copy of the suspension notice;
• a detailed description of the incident, including:
  
  • narrative of the incident and the events preceding and following it
  • location of incident
  • other persons present – before, during, and after – the incident
  • other potential witnesses, including their contact information;
• available details about the school’s investigation, including whether the student or other persons provided  written statements;
• the details of any meetings or conversations regarding the incident with school personnel;
• the process followed by the school before imposing the disciplinary action;
• whether the student or parent requested a hearing;
• the date of the hearing, if scheduled;
• applicable deadlines for appeal;
• the student’s Twitter account, Facebook account, and access to other on-line accounts; and
• potential character witnesses.

Before the student and his or her parent leave the attorney’s office, the parent should sign a Release of Confidential Information addressed to the school, agreeing that the school can release the student’s school records to the attorney. View a sample Release of Confidential Information.