The following organizations provide free legal advice, resources, and even representation (for some, but not all, eligible cases). You can access this support regardless of your family’s immigration status.
Greater Boston Legal Services
Phone: (617) 371-1234; Monday – Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm.
Walk-in support: Monday and Thursday, 1:30-4:00pm.
Languages spoken: Cantonese; English; Haitian Creole; Mandarin; Portuguese; Spanish; interpreters available for other languages
Recommended for: special education advocacy; transportation issues related to special education; school discipline
Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Voicemail: (617) 357-8431 ext. 3224
Languages spoken: English, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese
Recommended for: special education advocacy; English language learner advocacy; school discipline; bullying and discrimination
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts
Phone: (888) KIDLAW8; Monday – Thursday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Recommended for: special education advocacy, school discipline; homelessness and residency requirements
MetroWest Legal Services
Phone: (508) 620-1830
Fill out an online intake form
Languages spoken: English, Portuguese, Spanish
Recommended for: Only families living in these metrowest communities
A Day In Our Shoes
This is a comprehensive resource for parents navigating the IEP process. As the site says, “Don’t IEP alone.”
Understood
Our first stop for anything related to learning differences. This is a great place to look for initial guidance if you have questions about your child’s social-emotional development or their learning needs.
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Related Resources
What Parents Need to Know About Special Education
Common Terms You Might Hear in Special Education
How to Request Educational Support Services for Your Child
