Here are some of the things the Legal and Investigations team can do
- Investigate complaints against public bodies on behalf of children and young people.
- Public bodies include schools, hospitals, councils, social services and many more. If you are not sure, please contact us.
- We can help a child or young person bring their complaint to a public body.
- We can bring legal proceedings about the rights and welfare of children and young people.
- We can help children and young people in legal proceedings against public bodies.
- We can offer advice and guidance on the support that your child should be receiving from their school for their special educational need(s).
- We can also represent you when you disagree with an Education and Library Board about the educational support your child requires for their special educational need(s).
- In certain circumstances, where agreement can’t be reached, a parent can appeal the decision with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST). You can find out more here.
Restrictions on what we can do
- We cannot get involved in private law proceedings such as, residence and contact between parents.
- We cannot deal with complaints against the police, these need to be referred to the Police Ombudsman.
- We cannot get involved in the conduct of court proceedings.
- We cannot deal with complaints against private organisations or individuals.
