My friend is pregnant, going into 11th; is there anything that guarantees her right to education, at age 16+?

Question

She lives in Virginia, if that helps, and I'm looking for any laws, statutes, or policies which would guarantee her right to an education -- her family will not support her, or her baby, so she may be forced to find somewhere else to live with the child. She is worried about her schooling, for obvious reasons.
There may not be anyone to care for baby when she is at school; could she be kicked out if she brought baby with her? The school does not have a daycare service. Are there any laws in the area which support her? Does the government offer any type of assistance for teen mothers who are still in school? [daycare, specifically]
Well, you can see the dilemma; any advice or information offered is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

She needs to contact the school board (she can do so anonymously) and they will provide her with the statutes regarding her situation. Most states have programs in place to help girls like this get the education they so desperately need. Her parents could be forced to pay child support to the state for her until she is 18, if they kick her out.

The Department of Children and Family Services can also help her.

Answer 2

She should vist the local Social Services Dept. (Welfare Dept.) and find out what services are available to someone in her position.

She can also pursue the father of the child for child support.

She would not be allowed to bring her child to class; however, most states (not sure about Virginia) have programs for subsidized daycare on a sliding scale depending on her income.

Most states also have subsidized housing (Section 8) on a sliding scale with certain limits of income; she may qualify for those also, however, the waiting list can be long (6 mos. or more) so she should check into the matter as soon as possible. Social Services will be able to provide her a list of licensed daycares that participate in the program.

She should also qualify for WIC (Women, Infants & Children) which will help her get vouchers for certain types of food and formula.at a discount or free, depending on her income.

Answer 3

Damen,
There are many programs through the state welfare office and Social Security Administration (SSA) that promote education and work efforts.

Tell her to contact the State Transitional Assistance Office (DTA). She should receive foodstamps and medicaid as well as wic.

If they act like idiots, which they are, force them to assist her needs,(ie daycare, scholarships etc.), and if you don't get anywhere with either the DTA or the SSA call your State Representatives, Congressperson, School Committee, Senator, and Legal Services!

Also Va. has a good "Bill of Rights" under their Constitution. Read it and re-read it. There is always a useful clause to protect individual rights. Education is one of those.

The government was formed by the people to act as agents only and they are 100% accountable to us. The job of government is to protect the people's "Fundamental Rights."

Answer 4

i am not sure about virginia but there is probably something simialer there as there is here in NC. have her check with herlocal social services office. she should be able to get medicaid to pay for healthcare for her and her baby and they can possibly set her up with some assistance as far as housing and daycare. as long as she is trying, she should be able to obtain assistance

Answer 5

She should try studying at a junior/community college, they usually offer day care there. :)

Answer 6

This is pretty old information, but you can take a look at:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/Compendium/index.html

Answer 7

Her determination to become educated.