Informed Consent
R.E.A.C.H. provides a free initial phone consultation of up to 30 minutes so you can determine whether you want to retain an Advocate, or just need an Advocate to answer a few questions.
During your initial consultation we will mutually determine whether I can perform a service that might benefit your student. Because Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) resource a cadre of staff (including lawyers) to support their decisions, students utilizing a professional Advocate typically experience a more dynamic outcome than those who don’t. Although there are State and Federal laws/regulations that protect student educational rights (0-22 years old), LEAs are only required to provide a student with what is unique to him/her, not what is necessarily best. If I do not believe you have a defensible position/case, I will tell you (R.E.A.C.H. is an ethical service, not just a means to a financial end). If we mutually agree you want to retain my services, you will be asked to sign this document, which-once executed-will become a legal contract.
My fee is $75.00 an hour. Upon my discretion I may utilize a sliding scale, or charge a project vs. hourly fee. I require a $300.00 retainer with the exception of pro bono work. The retainer covers expenses associated with initiating advocacy services including information gathering, reviewing and interpreting assessments, etc.
I will rarely perform a service without consulting you first. Your verbal and/or written consent to the service(s) will serve as an acknowledgment and obligation to pay for the service(s). We both reserve the right to terminate this contract at any time, with no further obligation to the contract outside of compensation for previously unpaid service(s). Your invoice will include a description of service(s); date; rate; and total due. When there has been a service provided on your child’s behalf you will receive a single invoice at the end of that month. R.E.A.C.H. rounds services up and/or down based on 15 minute increments (including texting time), and when appropriate, assesses a $5.00 copy fee. Payment is expected upon receipt of your invoice unless previous arrangements have been made. R.E.A.C.H. does not accept checks, but does accept cash, money orders and/or Zelle. Once you receive an invoice, you must pay that month’s invoice before I will perform work in the following month (unless previous arrangements have been made).
Retaining an educational Advocate-as with an attorney-does not guarantee a/any particular outcome; however, it is reasonable to expect your child’s legal and educational rights will be safeguarded commensurate with the certifications, education and experience advertised on this website. As part of your service(s), R.E.A.C.H. may confer with other professionals. All educational, medical, mental health and/or legal documents are confidential and protected by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and/or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). A signature from a parent or guardian (unless a child is 18 years old or legally emancipated) will be required to obtain access to any professional documents related to your student.
Signing this document constitutes you acknowledge, understand and consent to the stipulations above.
