The federal government has announced plans to move oversight of special education programs and education-related civil rights enforcement. Under the change, special education responsibilities will be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services, while education civil rights enforcement will be moved to the Department of Justice. This is a part of several sweeps from the current administration during this term to dismantle the federal Department of Education. As

On May 20th, YAF Executive Director, Michele Gershman Scavongelli, participated in the Youth At Risk Conference in Beverly, MA, presenting alongside Scott Hulgan, AIC of Salem YAD, and Maria Ventullo, AIC of Salem CAFL. Their training, "The Intersection of Education & Juvenile Court," reached 35 attorneys, social workers, school staff, and youth-serving professionals — providing valuable tools and knowledge to better support young people navigating both the education and juve

A new Boston Globe investigation found that many Massachusetts schools are still using isolated “timeout rooms” for students — often children with disabilities — without requiring parents to be notified. Families and advocates say the practice can be traumatic and lacks accountability, while state officials argue updated regulations are meant to improve safety and oversight. The debate is raising bigger questions about how schools support students in crisis and protect vulner

🏃‍♂️💨 YAF showed up and showed OUT this weekend! Our staff had the honor of manning a water stop for the Marathon Coalition's charity runners — including 3 of 5 of our very own Team YAF — as they tackled their longest training run yet: 20 miles! 🙌 Before they headed out, our President & CEO, Marlies Spanjaard, spoke to the runners about YAF's mission and the young people whose lives they're helping change with every mile they run. We are so incredibly grateful for our amaz

Yesterday, a Massachusetts Superior Court judge denied the state's motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit fighting for special education services for students with disabilities in Houses of Correction — and it was a strongly worded decision! (Read the full decision attached below) This case, filed in April 2024, jointly by the EdLaw Project of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Latham and Watkins LLP, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, shines a light o

Yesterday, we paused to honor Gideon Day — a critical reminder that justice should never depend on your income or means. Gideon Day commemorates the landmark 1963 Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright, which established that the Constitution guarantees the right to legal counsel for people who cannot afford an attorney in criminal cases. It's a ruling that changed lives and one whose impact we still feel today. At YAF, we remain committed to supporting the EdLaw Project in

We are beyond proud to celebrate our incredible board member, Dr. Darnell Thigpen Williams, on this tremendous achievement! Darnell's dissertation, Black Excellence by Design, is not just an academic milestone, it is a blueprint for the very transformation we fight for everyday at the YAF. His work to center Black brilliance and reimagine K–12 education speaks directly to our mission of ending the cradle-to-prison pipeline. We know real change starts in the classroom, and Dr.

This week, we’re highlighting five incredible runners who have pledged to take on 26.2 miles and raise thousands of dollars each in support of Youth Advocacy Foundation’s work to help shut down the school-to-prison pipeline. 🏃‍♀️ Day 5: Meet Juliette 🏃‍♀️ Today, we’re excited to introduce Juliette Barney , one of the passionate runners taking on the Boston Marathon with #TeamYAF . Juliette is running in support of students and families who deserve fair treatment, strong ad

This week, we’re highlighting five incredible runners who have pledged to take on 26.2 miles and raise thousands of dollars each in support of Youth Advocacy Foundation’s work to help shut down the school-to-prison pipeline. 🏃‍♀️ Day 4: Meet Ivana 🏃‍♀️ Today, we’re proud to introduce Ivana Wijedasa, one of the dedicated athletes running with #TeamYAF. Ivana is taking on the Boston Marathon to stand with students and families who deserve strong advocacy, equitable access to