a youth (17 years or younger)

Explains how a child can become legally independent from their parents.

Learn about the restrictions for drivers under 18 including curfew hours, passenger limitations, and seat belt requirements.

Learn about the formal investigation process by Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Information about high school graduation requirements for students in Illinois. The law also requires that all high school students take a statewide assessment and fill out a FAFSA form.

Learn about when a student may be eligible for a 504 plan, how 504 plans are different than IEPs, and what to do if you disagree with the school about a 504 plan.

Learn about when children can start working, work permits, and the restrictions on the hours and types of work children can do.

Learn how to ask the school to evaluate your child for special education and related services.

Explains why your child can be suspended and how long a suspension can last

A student with a disability can be suspended for the same reasons as a student without a disability. But there is a limit to how many days a student with a disability may be suspended in the same school year.

Learn how the testing process for special education works and the eligibility criteria for children to qualify for help.

Explains students' privacy rights and how to access their school records.

Describes the process of expelling a student with disabilities.

Describes how mediation may be useful when resolving conflicts about Special Education.

Learn how to spot, prevent, and report bullying at school.

Explains how to resolve conflicts in special education.

Explains some of the rights that students have when attending schools in Illinois, including speech rights, religious rights, and privacy rights.