Jewish Federation’s legal advocacy program for people with disabilities: info, resources

Jewish Child & Family Services
Legal Advocacy

Advocacy Services is the Jewish Federation’s legal advocacy program for people with disabilities, which is administered by JCFS on behalf of the Jewish Federation. All services are provided on the basis of a sliding scale fee schedule including legal representation, consultation, information and referral services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Consultations and referrals to the social service staff of Jewish Federation agencies and to other agencies are also provided.

Offering legal services in special education law, mental illness and developmental disabilities, adult guardianship and Social Security disability benefits, Advocacy Services does not represent individuals in family law, such as divorce and custody suits or criminal law.



We Provide

Special Education Law
School districts have the responsibility to provide an education for every child—whether in the public schools or in a therapeutic setting. Occasionally, parents find it difficult to obtain an appropriate education for their child with special needs. JCFS Advocacy Services’ attorneys are committed to ensuring that each child receives the services he or she needs to learn.

Mental Illness and Developmental Disability Law
People who have a mental illness or developmental disability may be unable to give informed consent to psychiatric treatment. In such situations, they may need an attorney to represent them when court approval is requested to obtain certain medical treatments (i.e., psychotropic medications, electro-convulsive therapy) or placements. Our attorneys serve as counsel and guardians ad litem for people who have a mental illness or developmental disability and can advise them and their families on a wide range of issues they may face.

Adult Guardianship
When a person’s ability to make personal and/or financial decisions for himself or herself is in question, the court may appoint a guardian to make such decisions on his or her behalf. Generally, our attorneys represent people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities in these proceedings, and they are dedicated to representing the client’s wishes. In certain limited circumstances, JCFS attorneys represent a family member who wishes to become the guardian.

Social Security Disability Benefits
Legal Advocacy files appeals and represents people with disabilities who have been denied benefits by the Social Security Administration. Our lawyers represent clients in appeals before administrative law judges.

Speaking Engagements and Consultations
Attorneys are available to address social service providers, family and client groups and persons with disabilities on a wide range of legal issues that are of interest to individuals with disabilities and their families. We will also provide consultations or referrals by phone.

CONTACT

Terrie Rymer, J.D.
Legal Advocate
312 673 2740

Jerilyn Cohen, J.D.
Assistant Legal Advocate
312 673 2707

RELATED PROGRAMS

Adult, Child & Family Therapy
Family Support

# For JCFS click headline or visit: http://www.jfcschicago.org/