Hiring an Advocate

I am glad to help you in your special education advocacy! Your child deserves an appropriate education, and I look forward to supporting you in your efforts to advocate for your child.

The following are some guidelines to help ensure that we both understand our roles and responsibilities.

Hiring an Advocate

Hiring an Advocate is an ongoing relationship between you - the client - and me - the non-attorney special education advocate. We will work together to improve your child’s educational opportunities and experiences.

Advocacy services are purchased in 5 hour blocks of billable hours and all work is customized to meet your and your child’s needs. You have 365 days to use the package. Service examples and the approximate amount of time that they take, are listed in the table below for your understanding. Please note, though, that every situation is unique. The exact amount of time spent will vary.

Service Packages

Packages are offered to all Advocacy clients. These reduce costs and provide strategy and structure to your advocacy. Advocate clients receive a 10% discount on the packages below. I will provide you with a discount code that can be used for the duration of each 5 hour Hire an Advocate package.

Billing

All Advocacy Services are pre-paid as 5 hour blocks packages, titled, “Hire an Advocate.” Detailed invoices will be sent to the client and an email notice will be sent when there is less than a 1 hour credit for advocacy services. The Hire an Advocate package does not renew automatically but it can be manually renewed by the client if additional time and service is needed.

Your Responsibilities

You agree to:

1. Work together as partners. You are the expert on your child, and I have experience in the processes and procedures of special education. Teamwork means that we collaborate to improve your child’s education opportunities and experiences.
2. Follow the Advocacy Action Plan. This document is our agreement for how we will approach advocating for your child, what we will do, how we will do it, and when we will do it.
3. Share the appropriate documents with me. We will create a list in the Advocacy Action Plan during our initial consultation. 
4. Communicate with me positively. I understand that this is an emotional time. Remember: I am YOUR advocate.

My Promise to You

I promise you:

1. I will work as your partner, follow the Advocacy Action Plan, and share appropriate documents with you.
2. I will never speak with the school, school district, or school-based employee without you present.
3. I will always do my very best to improve your and your child’s situation.

Cancellation/Rescheduling of Meeting by Parent

The Parent may cancel or reschedule a meeting by giving at least 24 hours prior notice to the Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate in which case no fees will be incurred by the Parent.

Cancellation/Rescheduling of Meeting by Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate 

The Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate may cancel or reschedule a meeting by giving 24 hours prior notice to the Parent. The Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate shall reschedule the appointment at a time agreeable to both parties. Failing to reschedule will result in the Parent being refunded a missed meeting fee of $60.

Confidentiality

Advocacy Unlocked LLC agrees to keep all client information and records confidential. Advocacy Unlocked, LLC is bound by the Standards and Code of Ethics of the Council of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) which states that all client records and information are held confidential in adherence to Federal and State Confidentiality requirements. All information provided to Advocacy Unlocked, LLC by the Client will be regarded as strictly confidential and held by Advocacy Unlocked, LLC in confidence, and shall not be used or disclosed by Advocacy Unlocked, LLC to any person whatsoever except with prior written permission or as required by law.  

No Legal Advice Offered

Advocacy Unlocked, LLC does not offer legal advice. No one employed at Advocacy Unlocked, LLC is a lawyer, practices law, and makes no claim to be an expert in Special Education Law. We have special knowledge about the special education, the IEP process and students with disabilities.  

No Guaranteed Results

Advocacy Unlocked, LLC will act on your behalf in a courteous, conscientious, and careful manner at all times to seek solutions that are appropriate for your child. Advocacy Unlocked, LLC cannot promise or guarantee any specific outcome or result.  

Liability

Advocacy Unlocked, LLC/Shannon K. Sankstone’s entire liability under this Agreement, if any, for damages relating to this Agreement and/or performance pursuant to this Agreement, whether based on contract or negligence, shall be limited to the amount paid to Advocacy Unlocked, LLC/Shannon K. Sankstone pursuant to this Agreement relative to the period of occurrence of events which are the basis of such claims. In no event will Advocacy Unlocked, LLC/Shannon K. Sankstone be liable for any consequential damages arising from or in any way related to this Agreement or performance pursuant to this Agreement. 

Termination of Agreement

You may terminate this Agreement at any time, provided you have paid for all services delivered by Advocacy Unlocked, LLC. Advocacy Unlocked, LLC may terminate this Agreement at any time in the event of nonpayment of fees or in the event irreconcilable differences develop.