Center for Children's Advocacy Represents Stamford Educational Gap

Stamford's underprivileged youths represented by the Center for Children's Advocacy may also represent a Stamford educational bias.

"The typical kid that I work with is 15, already in the [juvenile justice] system...in school, they are usually truant, suspended often, and in danger of expulsion," CCA Staff Attorney Kathryn Meyer said. "My client base in particular is low-income; 80% of my Stamford client base are minority youth. Statistically, they're treated differently in the classroom and in the court."

Connecticut's CCA orginates from Hartford, started by ACLU member Martha Stone in 1997. Meyer, who works mainly with the Juvenile Review, often operates out of the , but the CCA's main branches are in Hartford and Bridgeport.

Meyer handles 40-50 cases dealing with Stamford youths per year, and they represent a third of her total client base.

According to Meyer, CCA's current focus is educational advocacy, and they use a "three pronged approach" to assist children.

"We do individual legal representation, community legal rights training, and systemic advocacy, which can apply to all kids in the state," Meyer said.

Meyer's point of view is largely supported by her observations as an advocate. "I think a lot of teachers are overworked, and the sheer number of kids they work with makes it hard," Meyer said. "I see what they do and wish they spent more time with the kids. At the same time, special education instructors have federal procedures that they must follow."

Meyer doesn't place full responsibility on the school system, and suggests that the large number of minority youths that she works with may face an even deeper bias in the courtroom.

"They're likely to be treated more stringently than their white counterparts for similar offenses," Meyer said. "Everyone's just focused on behavior, but they don't look at mental health issues, learning disabilities, or home life."

Meyer is currently preparing her Stamford clients for the 2011-2012 school year. The Center for Children's Advocacy is overseeing a wide scope of projects, including a Girl's Juvenile Justice Project. CCA's website indicates that donations to one of their many projects is the best way to help.

"We continue to educate people on the systemic bias while thinking of structured solutions to mitigate the problem," Meyer said.