Promises to Children (Federal)
Advocates for Children's Services (ACS) represents children who have been
denied services under Three (3) big Federal Promises:
Medicaid
Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Adoption and Safe
Families Act (ASFA)
Medicaid
Medicaid is the primary source of health care for low income families with
children and children in foster care. In North Carolina, this program is called
Health Check. Medicaid is financed jointly by the federal government and the
states. Federal guidelines require that Medicaid cover a broad range of medical
and mental health services, including early and periodic screening, diagnosis,
and treatment for children under age 21. Though Medicaid was enacted by Congress
more than 35 years ago, it still receives insufficient funding and is far from
providing comprehensive services to all qualified individuals.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) promises a free,
appropriate, public education to all students, regardless of ability. Such
educational services must be individualized and provided in the least
restrictive environment. IDEA was originally enacted in 1990 and was
reauthorized in 1997. Special education law, however, goes back to the 19th
century. While public schools are mandated to comply with this Congressional
act, they are not adequately funded to do so.
Adoption and Safe Families Act
The Adoption and Safe Families Act was enacted in 1997, amending the 1980
Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act. In addition to promising speedy,
permanent placement to children in foster care, ASFA also puts children’s health
and safety first when it comes to making placement decisions for them. Enormous
caseloads resulting from inadequate funding make it very difficult for social
service agencies to act in accordance with these provisions.
Advocates for Children’s
Services
201 West Main Street, Suite 400 (27701)
PO Box 2101
Durham, NC 27702
919-226-0052 or 919-226-0053
FAX: 919-226-0566
E-mail: ACSinfo@legalaidnc.org
ADVOCATES for CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Fighting for the Rights of Children:
Health Care * Education * Safe & Permanent Families
Disclaimer
The materials contained on this website are for information and educational
purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Please contact your
Legal Aid of North Carolina office or a private attorney if you need to speak to
an attorney regarding your particular situation. See our complete
disclaimer.
Mission Statement
Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that
provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in
order to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers
to economic opportunity.