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Educational Advocacy Services

The JRI Educational Advocacy Program supports children and youth with learning disabilities, emotional, behavioral, physical, and spectrum disorders. Our goal is to ensure these children receive the necessary services and accommodations to succeed in the least restrictive environment while accessing equal educational opportunities. We assist parents, caregivers, and state agency staff in navigating the special education process, providing direct advocacy, accessing appropriate educational services, and mediating disputes between families and schools.

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At a Glance
Our services are individualized, flexible, and coordinated, with a focus on empowering families and caregivers to continue advocating for their children after our involvement ends. We deliver our services within the communities we serve, using a strength-based, team-oriented approach grounded in culturally competent and evidence-based practices. Our focus is advocating for children with disabilities to ensure they receive the services and accommodations needed for success in their educational environment.

Age

3-21

Gender

All

Referrals

Private Pay, MA DMH, MA DCF, MA DYS
Supporting Your Child's Right to a Successful Educational Experience

The JRI Educational Advocacy Program is dedicated to helping parents and guardians in Southeastern Massachusetts secure the most appropriate, least restrictive educational setting for children with disabilities. Our skilled staff works closely with families to assess each child's educational needs and collaborate with caregivers and the education system to find the best program.

With expertise in educational assessment and knowledge of a wide range of available programs, our team guides families through the options to ensure their child is placed in an environment that supports their unique needs.


JRI's Commitment to Families

JRI is committed to empowering families by engaging them effectively and providing the tools they need to make informed decisions about their child's education. Our staff takes the time to understand each family's specific concerns and offer guidance and advocacy with the school district. We also focus on educating parents and caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to continue advocating for their child's educational needs.

Additionally, our educational advocates assist with transitional services to adult agencies, the Chapter 688 planning process, and explore post-secondary options, ensuring support is in place as students enter college or vocational settings.

Collaboration with State Agencies

The Educational Advocacy Program partners with state agencies, including the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Youth Services, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

We closely coordinate services and often serve as a vital liaison between these agencies and local school districts, ensuring that all parties work together effectively to meet the educational needs of the children we serve.

Our Team

No team members found.

My advocate was so helpful in guiding me through the special ed process for my middle school son. She helped me understand timelines as well as state and federal laws. My son now has an IEP and the services he needed to be successful. Thank you for everything.

Frequently Asked Questions
Referral Information

Referrals for Educational Advocacy Services come from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, or the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. Private pay options are also available.

Let's Connect

Deb Cimo

Director

T: (508) 884-6779
F: (508) 386-9621

[email protected]

35 Summer Street, Suite 101, Taunton, MA 02780

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.
Housing
If you are looking for housing for youth or young adults under age 25 please contact William Thompson at 857-399-1905 x23200.


If you are looking for rental assistance for people living with HIV please contact Mairead Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23180.

If you are looking for housing for clients of the Department of Mental Health please contact Maureen Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23230. 

For all other inquiries about housing please check out this resource list and click on Housing and Homelessness. 


Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.
Housing
If you are looking for housing for youth or young adults under age 25 please contact William Thompson at 857-399-1905 x23200.


If you are looking for rental assistance for people living with HIV please contact Mairead Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23180.

If you are looking for housing for clients of the Department of Mental Health please contact Maureen Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23230. 

For all other inquiries about housing please check out this resource list and click on Housing and Homelessness. 


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JRI's intensive residential treatment programs, clinics, and community-based services are accredited by the Joint Commission. JRI's residential schools, group homes, day habilitation and Huntington at Symphony are accredited by CARF.
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