What we do

Education Law

In the state of North Carolina, students are entitled to a sound basic education. Many students, however, face significant barriers to the realization of this modest promise. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy works to reduce and dismantle these barriers by providing support to:  

  • Students experiencing challenges with special education, Section 504, discipline, or discrimination
  • Students in the child welfare and delinquency systems, and
  • The community at-large through free training sessions

Education Representation 

  • Students with Disabilities 
  • School Discipline 
  • Discrimination/Harassment 
  • Enrollment/Access 
  • School Stability  

Systemic advocacy

We are currently focused on improving educational outcomes for children in foster care throughout North Carolina. By devoting time to strategically elevating issues, our work has a broader, more durable impact on our students and community.  

Within the Charlotte community, we lead the Foster Care and Education Work Group. This work group brings together representatives from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Mecklenburg Co. Youth and Family Services, the Guardian ad Litem Program, Foster Village Charlotte, and various other community and professional partners. Together, we established the Foster Care and Education Resources site, a comprehensive resource for the education rights of and supporting resources for students in foster care.  

Community Outreach  

We offer free training to community partners and parent groups that cover a range of education issues and resources. We are typically able to provide more tailored information at the organizer’s request. 

Additional Resources:

NC Policies Governing Services for Students with Disabilities

Additional Support: