Diane begins a legal relationship with a family by having a free initial consultation. During the free consultation, she reviews education records, talks to the family, and helps evaluate the child's educational needs. At that point, Diane will able to help you decide what legal needs your child may have. If needed, Diane can then help guide you through the legal education maze, via one of her four service models.
It is common for a family to move between two or more service models as the child's educational needs evolve. For example, Diane frequently starts with a child in the Direct Intervention Model and then later shifts to the Maintenance Model. That happens once a child’s successful education program is in place and the child's educational needs are being met. Some families, over the years, have used each of the service models available. Diane is always committed to providing the service model that best fits your child's individual educational needs.
This model works best when a parent needs basic legal information and support regarding the child's educational needs. Under this model, Diane does not attend any meetings at the school / program, or consult directly with public education personnel. Diane advises the parent(s) "behind the scenes" by reviewing documents, assisting in preparation for meetings, providing advice regarding the law, and answering parent questions about the child's education.
This model is used when a parent needs legal assistance, but doesn't need an attorney to attend meetings or draft correspondence. Under this approach, public education personnel are advised that Diane represents the student but that the attorney will not attend meetings. Typically Diane will collaborate with public education personnel regarding your child's education to help ensure that all of your child's educational needs are met.
This approach is used when the child's educational process needs direct involvement from an attorney. Under the Direct Intervention approach, Diane attends meetings, talks to public education personnel, negotiates settlements, files complaints and due process complaints with the State Department of Education, attends expulsion hearings, and consults with parents on all issues relating to the child's education. Many parents start legal representation with Diane under the Direct Intervention Model, then later shift to the Maintenance Model.
The Maintenance Model works best when a child's educational program is appropriate and running smoothly. Typically, Diane helps prepare parents for meetings. She also attends annual IEP meetings to ensure the child’s program continues to serve the child’s unique and individual needs. Diane also consults with parents regarding potential future issues and assists throughout the school year on an as-needed basis.