What is Transitional Advocacy?
As a child with disabilities turns 21 or graduates from high school, the IEP they have been provided with runs out, leaving them in need of support as they enter a stage in their life where they possibly begin looking for jobs, a place to live, and taking on other responsibilities that come with adulthood. Through transitional advocacy, a CICS advocate partners with a family and other relevant parties, such as organizations assisting with the employment and housing process and employers, to ease the transition into adulthood for their child. By taking the time to understand your child’s preferences and needs, as well as having extensive knowledge in applicable laws, procedures, and interventions, our advocates can represent the child and family in ensuring that the individual has the proper support they need to enter this new phase in their life.
Contact UsHow can Transitional Advocacy help you?
A transitional advocate can help by:
- Reviewing records and understanding your child to make informed, individualized recommendations for your child’s future.
- Developing strategic plans for both the relevant parties and your family to support your child’s needs as they enter this new stage.
- Being hired by landlords, employers, or any other party associated with a transition into adulthood to train and educate these parties on how to better understand and be more inclusive for your child and others with special needs.
- Attending appointments between relevant parties and your child to advocate for the access to necessary accommodations and resources.
What to expect:
A transitional advocate will:
- Ensure the transitional organizations, employers, and other relevant parties are providing appropriate services and are held accountable as outlined by law*.
- Provide information to parents if the relevant parties and parents cannot come to an agreement.
- Ensure appropriate assessments are being used to determine levels and need.
- Verify that the transitional plan is thorough and based on the needs of your child.
- Check that your child is benefiting from all available programs.
- Review that modifications and accommodations are being properly utilized.
- Provide those associated with your child’s transition into adulthood a better understanding of how to accommodate for and meet the needs of your child.
Additional Information
Our transitional advocacy solution is $100 per hour and includes virtual consultation, attendance at meetings with organizations assisting with your child’s transition, and correspondence relevant parties. Unfortunately, few insurance plans cover transitional advocacy so CICS offers a cash payment option.
*Please note: while all CICS staff are knowledgeable about laws, we are NOT lawyers. We cannot give legal advice, but can tell you when it’s time to involve a lawyer. There are pro bono attorneys in the Lehigh Valley we can refer you to, including North Penn Legal Services.
