Statewide Education Advocacy

STATEWIDE EDUCATION ADVOCACY PROGRAM

Education Advocacy Coordinators intervene on behalf of youth who are faced with challenging situations or circumstances in school. Coordinators are available to assist and train Social Workers, Caregivers and Community Partners on topics such as Special Education and 504 plans, school discipline, state and federal education policies as well as working with the students themselves so that they become better self advocates.

EAC’s offer 3 levels of intervention:

Information and Referral – is recommended when a situation can be resolved by providing information, resources or referrals to appropriate agencies or services to the youth, social worker or caregiver. Some examples may be to locate alternative education programs, community tutoring or information about specific special education laws.

Consultation – is providing the caregivers, youth or social workers the knowledge of advocacy steps and strategies so that they themselves can address situations such as accessing services under 504 plans, handling communication conflicts with school personnel and attendance issues.

Direct Advocacy – is for educational cases requiring more intensive advocacy. The Coordinator will directly intervene on the student’s behalf to resolve situations including but not limited to school enrollment, placement crisis, school discipline issues and accessing services under Special Education.

Eligible students: any youth or child who is placed in out-of-home care – primarily those in Kindergarten through the 10th grades. Those students falling outside eligibility parameters will be considered on a case by case basis.

Referrals: need to be initiated by the child or youth’s CA social worker. Referrals forms are on all CA Forms Drives. Once completed they are to be e-mailed to: APHO300@dshs.wa.gov.


WHO ARE MY LOCAL CONTACTS?

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY LEAD, REGION 3
Adolfo Hinojosa
Everett Office
Tel: 425-339-1817
Fax: 425-339-2907
Cell: 425-508-8725
hnjs300@dshs.wa.gov

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY COORDINATOR, SNOHOMISH COUNTY
COVERING EVERETT, LYNNWOOD, SKY VALLEY, AND SMOKEY POINT OFFICES
Julie Dawning
Everett Office
Tel: 425-339-3991
Fax: 425-339-1945
Cell: 425-577-1913
jtd8300@dshs.wa.gov

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY COORDINATOR, NORTH REGION 3
COVERING BELLINGHAM, FRIDAY HARBOR, MOUNT VERNON AND OAK HARBOR OFFICES
Joan Parrish
Bellingham Office
Tel: 360-527-2505
Fax: 360-738-6275
Cell: 360-305-9755
jprr300@dshs.wa.gov