Kevin is a long-time AFC client who we were excited to see graduate from high school in June! AFC first started working with Kevin—now a quiet, artistic 19-year-old—when he was in the fifth grade and struggling both academically and socially in his public school due to anxiety, ADHD, and a learning disability. Though he received special education services throughout elementary school, Kevin had fallen significantly behind in reading and was being relentlessly bullied by his classmates. Kevin’s mother knew he needed additional support and pushed for more intensive services, but the Department of Education (DOE) ignored her requests and made no meaningful changes to Kevin’s educational program.

Advocates for Children assisted Kevin’s mother in finding a more appropriate school placement for sixth grade. With our help, Kevin enrolled at a specialized non-public school for students with disabilities, where he finally received the individualized support he needed. Along with pro bono counsel from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, we represented Kevin’s mother at an impartial hearing and successfully secured Kevin’s tuition. AFC has worked with Kevin and his family every year since to ensure he could stay at his school, where he has made great strides both academically and socially. Kevin has been accepted to a number of colleges and is now deciding where he wants to go. We have loved watching his progress and can’t wait to see what he does next!