Advocates, Advocates, Anyone, Anyone?...

[Guest guest]

Hi, all...

And, here's the latest:

Instead of answering my letter, they sent home a bunch of medical release forms -- they want to talk to the child psych and get her records on my son. Of course, in reading these forms and all of their legalese, it warns that the district "cannot assume responsibility for the confidentiality of educational information disclosed," and you are authorizing them to get your child's "protected health information," and that this information "may be subject to re-disclosure by the recipient and no longer protected by federal laws and regulations regarding the privacy of my child's protected health information."

Okay...I used to work in insurance, but that was pre-HIPPA laws. I'm usually pretty good at this stuff, but I don't like some of this wording AT ALL. I'm sure it's standard, but this is stuff from my kid's PSYCH. So, obviously, I need an advocate. Quickly.

I've received some names from some folks already. But if there were any other really great advocates that helped anyone out there and you don't mind sharing them, please help! I want to be able to compile a list and just make a bunch of calls tomorrow. Also, do advocates charge like lawyers do?

By the way, the didn't really answer my question regarding the removal of the PEP Cleveland person from my son's life and team. All they said was that the services of an outside Autism consultant were secured. Okay, great...but who is this person, where do they come from, what are their credentials -- don't know!

My head is pounding. And I want to throw up.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who have responded so far and given me some names.

--Suzanne

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