Advocates for Children NY

Carlos, a determined young student from Guatemala, came to the U.S. alone after years of poverty forced him to leave school and work to support his family. At 16, he tried twice to enroll in school in the Bronx but was turned away each time because his relatives lacked identification and custodial paperwork. Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) stepped in, defending his right to an immediate school placement under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. With AFC’s help, Carlos was enrolled at Manhattan International High School—a supportive environment for newly arrived immigrant students learning English. There, he thrived academically and advocated for others like himself. In 2019, Carlos proudly graduated high school, a milestone made possible through his perseverance and AFC’s advocacy. Read the full story about Carlos’ remarkable journey using the link.

Nine-year-old Paige, an academically strong student on the autism spectrum, was recommended for a supportive special education class of 12 students by her teachers and therapists. However, her local school only offered a large, integrated class of about 30 students, contrary to her needs. When her mother rejected this placement and asked for alternatives, the Department of Education (DOE) did not provide any solution, leaving Paige at home without education or therapy. With help from advocates, Paige's family found a private school tailored to children with autism, where she has since excelled. Paige's advocates also secured compensation for lost learning time, and an impartial hearing officer strongly criticized the DOE for its inappropriate placement attempt. This fall, Paige’s mom was finally able to send her to a school where her needs would truly be met—a positive change from the previous year. To read Paige’s full story and learn more about her journey, please use the link.

Josh, a kind and determined young man, faced years of struggle learning to read due to a language-based learning disability and inadequate support from the school system. By age 20, he still read at a first-grade level and could not manage basic daily tasks requiring literacy. The Department of Education mistakenly told Josh’s mother their services ended when he turned 18, leaving him out of school for two years and unable to progress in vocational programs. When AFC stepped in, they secured intensive, individualized reading instruction for Josh, and within six months he advanced to a 4th/5th grade reading level. Despite losing his greatest advocate—his mother—Josh pushed forward, earning his high school equivalency diploma and preparing for a future in music and business. His journey shows that the right support can unlock a student’s true potential. Learn more and read Josh’s full inspiring story using the link.

Advocates for Children of New York has been dedicated to protecting every child’s right to education for more than 50 years. AFC provides families the one-on-one guidance and advocacy they need, while pressing for systemic reforms that benefit all students.