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Provides support to students and parents
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Promotes self-advocacy
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Provides assistance for children in foster care through the Foster Care Designee Program
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Collaborates with area and school administrators
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Identifies resources for at-risk students
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Who We Are
Welcome to the Office of Student Advocacy, a vital part of OCPS Office of School Choice Services! You'll find us within the Juvenile Justice Center. Our compassionate team of student advocates consists of OCPS district administrators specializing in Attendance, Foster Care, and Juvenile Justice, along with a Senior Manager/Court Liaison, a dedicated guidance counselor, and a Truancy Center Liaison. We have convenient office locations at the Juvenile Justice Center (Juvenile Courthouse) and the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to parents and students who may be encountering difficulties with school district requirements or other educational experiences. We work in close partnership with school and area administrators, united by our core belief that all students are entitled to a quality education, regardless of their individual circumstances or backgrounds. We are also proud to be collaborative partners with numerous community agencies that serve the youth of Orange County, including the Ninth Judicial Circuit Courts, Department of Children and Families, Department of Juvenile Justice, Orange County Government, State Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, Law Enforcement agencies, and Clerk of Courts.
Our Key Areas of Focus:
- Self-Advocacy: We strive to empower parents and students to advocate for themselves by offering up-to-date information, materials, and resources that can be instrumental in resolving educational issues. It's important to remember that this department does not provide parent or child advocates. For further assistance and resources, please reach out directly to the District Office at (407) 317-3200.
- Juvenile Justice: We work hand-in-hand with the Department of Juvenile Justice and law enforcement, ensuring that all legal notification obligations are met. We also provide educational counseling to youth and proactively address truancy issues.
- Foster Care: Our office supports community-based care agencies contracted by DCF regarding children in foster care. We also serve as the main point of contact for school-based foster care designees.
- Truancy/Truancy Court: We are responsible for implementing policy as outlined by Florida Education Law, FS 1003. Truancy petitions are filed from our office represents the district in truancy proceedings.