Snipped from the FEAT BC discussion board, with permission - Nov 2001

New Resource: Canadian Legal Network for Children with Special Needs

A new national legal organization has just been established across Canada that is very important to the best interests of our children as well as all children with other special needs. This organization is "The Canadian Legal Network for Children with Special Needs".

The non-profit society is a group of concerned lawyers working together to advance the rights of children with special needs and to enhance the legal remedies available to special needs children. The society accomplishes these goals through promoting quality legal representation and excellence in advocacy, promoting implementation and enforcement of the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child, and encouraging lawyers and lay advocates to increase their involvement and representation on behalf of children with special needs.

In other words, The Canadian Legal Network for Children with Special Needs is an organization that will "level the playing field" and make it much easier for parents to find capable legal representation that is up to the task of challenging the formidable resources of government, whether it be a school district or a provincial ministry of education or health; the Legal Network is designed to further the rights of special needs children at all levels. It's noteworthy that the Constitution of the Canadian Legal Network for Children with Special Needs does not permit affiliation for lawyers who are employed by, or under contract to, government.

The brochure describes their mandate in more detail.

Since Canadian provinces have their own jurisdiction over health care and education, each province will eventually have its own affiliate of this new national organization. Initially, The Canadian Legal Network for Children with Special Needs is setting up its B.C. organization because lawyers establishing the organization are based in B.C.; however, there already several lawyers across the country working on special needs cases who shortly will organize their respective provinces. FEAT BC is proud to be the charter member of The Canadian Legal Network and we encourage all members of this discussion group to become members of the network either as individuals, corporate or organizational members. We strongly urge all FEATs across the country to step up to the plate and support this vitally important special needs legal organization. Membership fees from other provinces would go into the national Canadian Legal Network (not the B.C. branch) until a provincial chapter was opened.

Many of you over the years have asked how you can help the cause. This is a historic, watershed opportunity to contribute to the welfare of every special needs child in B. C. and across Canada. By becoming a member and encouraging everyone who cares about your child to become a member, you will help lay the foundation for an organization that will, at long last, help families hold all levels of government accountable for special needs policies that work against the best interests of our children's well being.

Address information:
The Canadian Legal Network for Children with Special Needs
114 - 990 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, B.C.   V6Z 2N9
Ph. 604-669-8501