Advocacy and Referral Resources

Disabilities Law Project
215-238-8070
email: dlp.phila@dlp-pa.org
Provides free legal assistance to children and adults who are developmentally disabled, including children with serious mental health problems, in cases involving discrimination on the basis of handicap or access to services.

Education Law Center-PA
215-238-6970
email: elc@elc.pa.org
Provides advice and direct legal representation in all educational issues affecting children including special education. Publishes a manual, The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania, which explains the special education process and is free to parents. This is available in English or Spanish.

The Health Law Project
800-274-3258
717-236-6310 in Harrisburg
email: dgates@phlp.org
Advocates for access to consumer-directed health services for persons with disabilities. Provides information about the Medical Assistance application process.

Juvenile Law Center
215-625-0551 or 800-875-8887
email: rschwartz@jlc.org
Juvenile Law Center Web site
Provides free legal representation to a limited number of children who are subject to proceedings under the Juvenile Act (dependent or delinquent).

Parent Education Network
800-522-5827
email: pen.parent@net.org
Provides technical assistance, consultation and referral for assistance about special education within parents' area.

Parents Involved Network (PIN)
215-751-1800 or 800-688-4226
email: resources@pinofpa.org
Provides support, advocacy, information and referral for parents of children and adolescents who have emotional or behavior disorders.

Parents Union for Public Schools
215-546-1166
email: parentsu@aol.com
Provides information about education in Philadelphia Public Schools and special education advocacy.

Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy
800-692-7443
A statewide advocacy organization which provides information and advocacy services for persons with disabilities.

Parents Involved Network publications include:

• Teen Hotlines
• Sharing, the PIN newsletter
• Fact Sheet Series, one and two-page fact sheets for families
• For the Record: Advocacy Record Keeping Book for Families of Children and Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and
• Philadelphia Community Services for Children and Adolescents: A Straightforward Guide to Mental Health and Related Services. Call Parents Involved Network for ordering information.

Parents Involved Network
1211 Chestnut Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
voice: 215-751-1800, or 800-688-4226
email: resources@pinofpa.org
fax: 215-636-6300

Developmental Tasks Chart >>