Parents of special needs students in Arkansas don't have to pay for a mediation attorney if they need to solve problems with their child's school district. Mediation services are now provided through experts certified with the William H. Bowen School of Law Clinical Programs department, and are available state wide.

What are these Mediation Services For?

Raising a child with special needs can seem like a daunting task with many obstacles that need to be overcome. Sometimes, the school district or your child's special needs facilitator might seem like the biggest obstacle.

The biggest problem is often miscommunication between the school district and the parents, says Tiffany Tacket Kell, who coordinates the mediation program.

Can I Get My Own Mediation Attorney?

Parents or teachers who request, will be provided with mediation services by someone who has been certified with the William H. Bowen School of Law Office of Clinical Programs. There were 14 mediations done last year, and "We've got the resources to do more," says University of Arkansas at Little Rock clinical programs director Kelly Browe Olson.

Olson wants to make sure that parents know the option is available to them--many don't--while Kell is working so that teachers understand that they are not giving up their rights or due process by participating in mediation.

When is Civil Mediation Most Needed?

The services are often most needed when the student makes a transition (such as from elementary to middle school) or when the child gets a new teacher. Mediation can help a parent better understand how the child is being taught, what the course materials are, and why. Many parents also have questions about testing.