Attorneys/Advocates | Hope Renews

About Us

Hope Renews was founded by parents of teens with severe emotional distress in residential treatment programs. Having had children in these programs we learned firsthand two things. First, that this kind of intensive intervention can be life saving. And second, we learned that it comes with a substantial price tag.

It has been our belief that this kind of care should not be the exclusive province of the wealthy. So we created a foundation to specifically address financial issues – through loans and grants directly to families, through the dissemination of information of resources that might be available to help pay for treatment, and through a forum of supportive voices to connect families facing this challenge.

Hope Renews has survived the critical first five years in operation. While our grant and loan program is focused on just one program, Vista Adolescent Treatment Center, the information in this website should be of use to the much broader universe of families struggling to pay for a child in treatment. More...

How Do I Pay for It?

Paying for treatment is a challenge to low- and middle-income families. But it is not impossible.

It takes a parent that is educated, dedicated, and thinks outside the box. It will require planning, locating resources, talking to programs, juggling tasks, all while you are trying to take care of your family. But if you approach this fight, armed with knowledge and support, you are more likely to get your child the help he needs. More...

Do I need an attorney?

One source of funding for your child’s treatment is the local school system. But securing that money can be a complex task. You many need help from a special education attorney, or a non-attorney advocate (or parent representatives).

What do attorneys and non-attorney advocates cost?

Please share your experience in the Comments section below.

Who pays for it?

Legal fees associated with mediating your case before school district representatives may be paid by the school, if your case prevails. You may have to pay for non-attorney advocates out of your own pocket.

Ask your education consultant or school counselor if they know of advocates or attorneys who help families get support from the school district. If that doesn't work, you may have to contact the state Department of Education and ask about policies relating to teens with adolescent disabilities for severe emotional problems.

How do I find a special needs attorney or non-attorney advocate?

Search this directory of attorneys and advocates nationwide.

Any advice on selecting an attorney?

Great information in this article from The Exceptional Parent.

Any advice on selecting a non-attorney advocate?

Great information on this webpage at the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.

Next: Get Your Act Together

Have you used an attorney or non-attorney advocate? What was your experience? Let us know in the Comments section below. Or join us in the Community Forum.

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Newsletter 2010

The Hope Renews Newsletter for 2010 (that is, a real, hold in your hands, line your bird cage, burn after reading, made from paper document) is in the final production phases.

The topic is ADVICE:

from therapists to parents,
from kids to therapists and parents and
from parents to therapists.

You won't want to miss it, so please send us your mailing address and we will make sure you to get a copy -- in the mail.

The Editors