Case Scenarios
MARYLAND DISABILITY LAW CENTER needs your help with…
Special Education
Anne Arundel – 1
Help Sought: Family seeks assistance with acquiring more restrictive environment.
15 year old child diagnosed with ADHD and a Central Auditory Processing Disorder who is enrolled in 9th grade at a large, public high school. Family reports that child is doing poorly in her regular education classes and is passing her special education classes only because the teacher is providing child with the answers. Last year family requested a more restrictive high school placement due to child's lack of social skills and concerns that child had been taken advantage of by other students, especially boys. There had been instances in the past where child "gave" away her jewelry, lunch money, etc. Family lost at mediation on this issue and school system only agreed to put an escort in place to walk with student between classes. Family seeks assistance with obtaining a more appropriate placement. There is an IEP meeting scheduled for December 14 at 9 am. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Special Education
Anne Arundel – 2
Help sought: Family seeks assistance with securing an appropriate placement.
11 year old student in the 6th grade, diagnosed with pervasive developmental delays who is non-verbal and has an IEP that mom reports hasn't changed since he was in pre-Kindergarten. He doesn't recognize letters, can't do simple math and is unable to fully understand the assistive technology with which he has been provided. Also, there was an incident where child was hit by an aide and family wasn't notified until the end of school the following day. Family was able to obtain a peace order to remove aide from child's class. Since this incident, child has developed hitting and biting behaviors that were not present before. School is in the process of performing a functional behavior assessment and mother believes that child should be placed in a nonpublic school. School has also denied the child the chance to attend a field trip because the teacher said he was not established in the class routine. Mom also was called to the school to pick child up because he had wet himself, even though the school is supposed to take him to the bathroom every so often in order to avoid such incidents. Mother feels there is a lot of retaliation from the school since she had the aide removed from the classroom. Last IEP meeting was November 7th to discuss the FBA and BIP. Mom doesn't agree with the BIP and is in the process of getting an assessment from KKI. There is an IEP meeting scheduled for December 9th to discuss further testing. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Special Education
Baltimore City – 1
Help sought: Family seeks assistance with filing MSDE complaint.
8 year old child with Intellectual Disability, currently in 2nd grade with an IEP. Child started this school year in a self-contained classroom in a Life Skills Program where the family reports he was seriously mistreated (child had soiled his clothing while at school and nobody bothered to change him all afternoon; family received call from teacher's aide who asked for family's permission to remove child from class in order to be "straightened out"; child ended up with a bloody nose). Mother observed her child in class and noted he was facing the wall. Mother inquired as to why the child was facing the wall and was advised that it was to prevent the child from antagonizing other students. When mother asked more questions, she was asked to leave the building and escorted off by school police. Mother contacted the Special Education Department of the school system and was told that an investigation would take place. After two weeks, mother received a return call from the Special Education Department and was told that no investigation will be done unless she was planning to get an attorney. Child was ultimately transferred to another school and appears to be doing better but mother is very concerned about the way he was treated at the first school and is seeking assistance with filing a complaint with the Maryland State Department of Education. Child also sees a therapist at KKI once a week. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Special Education
Baltimore City – 2
Help Sought: Family needs assistance with developing an appropriate IEP with an effective BIP.
12 year old child diagnosed with learning disabilities who has an IEP and is currently enrolled in the 5th grade. Mother feels that child is just being passed along and really not learning. Child is on a 2nd grade reading level and 3rd grade math level and is often provoked by others and acts out in response to frustration from not knowing the work. Mother is called to school weekly to address the child's behaviors although there have not been any suspensions. Mother feels that the school needs to develop a behavior plan to address child's behavior issues. Child receives therapy twice a week. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Special Education
Baltimore County – 1
Help sought: Family seeks help with getting son back in school to work on diploma.
20 year old student diagnosed with a specific learning disability and Crohn's disease and an IEP. Child missed a significant amount of school during the 2009-2010 school year due to the Crohn's disease and spent some time on Home and Hospital teaching. He failed his classes due to his absences and was retained. At the start of the 2010/2011 school year, the principal and guidance counselor suggested that mom withdraw student from school and also suggested that student should handle his own school issues, independent of his mom. At an IEP meeting in February 2011, family was told that the school had withdrawn the student from the roles and advised his mother that he should go to Saturday school. Student started Saturday School in March 2011 but did not get the opportunity to complete final exams due to his medical condition. Family is looking for assistance to get him re-enrolled back in school and assistance with developing an appropriate IEP so he can pass his remaining four classes. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Special Education
Prince George's County – 1
Help sought: Family seeks assistance with acquiring appropriate placement.
9 year old child with emotional disturbance, ADHD, anxiety and separation anxiety with an IEP. Two years ago, child was in a class with 7 students and performed well in school. Last year, he was placed in a full inclusion setting and missed a lot of time from school due to his fear of being in an environment with a lot of people. He was placed back in a smaller setting but spent one class per week in a fully inclusive class until the end of the school year at which time his outside doctor recommended a smaller classroom setting. Despite this recommendation and the child's fear of a larger setting, the school system placed child in a regular education setting for the current school year. He is currently out of school and receiving minimal services from Home and Hospital. This has been going on for about a month. Family seeks assistance with obtaining a more appropriate placement. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Special Education
Prince George's County – 2
Help sought: Family seeks assistance securing private placement.
17 year old child with severe autism who is non-verbal and has not been in school since September 2010. Mother withdrew child after suspected abuse while at school. A report went to CPS who investigated and did not find enough evidence to prove there had been abuse. Mom has cancer and multiple other health conditions that make it difficult for her to advocate for her child's educational issues. Child is currently attending high school but still isn't receiving proper services. Mother is looking for assistance with getting child enrolled in school with appropriate services. She is particularly interested in placement at Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Medicaid Fair Hearing
Anne Arundel – 1
Help sought: Family seeking representation at Medicaid Fair Hearing.
MDLC is seeking pro bono representation for an 11 year old Anne Arundel County resident. His is diagnosed with Lennox Gustaut Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and lung disease. Due to his disability, he requires overnight nursing care to monitor his seizure activity and intervene with medications, administer is 22 hour continuous gastrostomy tube feeding, administer other medications, monitor his respiratory status and deep suction him, as needed. He resides at home with his mother and step father, and is home schooled by his mother, during the day. Both of his parents work overnight, 6 days per week, and the child has been receiving 12 hours of private duty nursing services for 7 days per week for his medical needs and to cover their work schedules. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is seeking to terminate all of his nursing hours. His mother has appealed, and the hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2011 at Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Medicaid Fair Hearing
Baltimore County – 1
Help sought: Family seeks representation at Medicaid Fair Hearing.
MDLC is seeking pro bono representation for a 12 year old child who resides in Baltimore County and is diagnosed with chronic lung disease and requires a tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube. The child receives Maryland Medical Assistance through United Healthcare, a managed care organization. United Healthcare is seeking to terminate her overnight Private Duty Nursing hours and child's mother has filed a request for an appeal. The hearing date has not been scheduled. This child currently receives nursing services during the day from the local school system and will continue to receive overnight nursing services, through United Healthcare, until the outcome of the Medicaid Fair Hearing. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Medicaid Fair Hearing
Baltimore County – 2
Help sought: Family seeking representation at Medicaid Fair Hearing.
MDLC is seeking legal representation for a 6 year old Baltimore County resident who is seeking to appeal the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's termination of Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services. The child receives Medical Assistance and participates in the Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) program, and is diagnosed with a kidney disorder, bladder disorder, and ADHD. He currently receives 24 hours of PDN services per week in the evenings when his mother is working. During the evening, the child receives a four hour gastrostomy tube feeding, requires bladder catheterization, and medications that are administered via gastrostomy tube. The Medicaid Fair hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2012. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Medicaid Fair Hearing
Calvert – 1
Help sought: Family seeking representation at Medicaid Fair Hearing.
MDLC is seeking pro bono representation for an 18 year old Medicaid recipient and Calvert County resident, who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. The client is a participant of the Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) program. Through the REM program, he received 16 hours of Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services for 16 hours per day for 7 days per week. The PDN services are needed to monitor his frequent seizure activity (and intervene when needed), pulse ox, and respiratory status; administer his gastrostomy tube feedings, medication, bipap and oxygen; and perform all activities of daily living. He was hospitalized in July 2011, and upon discharge was informed that he would receive PDN services as follows: 16 hours for the 1st week, 12 hours of the 2nd week, and 8 hours (only to be used overnight) for the 3rd week. The Medicaid recipient's mother filed an appeal on his behalf, and an administrative hearing has not been scheduled. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
Medicaid Fair Hearing
Prince George's County -1
Help sought: Family seeking representation at Medicaid Fair Hearing.
MDLC is seeking representation for a 14 year old Prince George's County resident diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Scoliosis, Asthma, and a seizure disorder. He receives Medical Assistance and participates in the Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) Program. Through the REM program, he receives Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services for 16 hours per day, Monday through Friday, and 12 hours per day each day on the weekend. The child requires PDN services to maintain his tracheotomy, administer oxygen, gastrostomy tube feedings, administer medication via his gastrostomy tube and nebulizer treatments. The child's mother is a single parent whose work often requires her to travel out of the state. Therefore, she has an irregular daily work schedule. Additionally, the client's mother also attends school during the evening and some weekend hours. The client utilizes PDN services when his mother is working or attending school. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is seeking to reduce PDN services to 12 hours per day, Monday through Friday. The child's mother filed an appeal and the Medicaid Fair hearing has not been scheduled. If you are interested in this case, please call Terry Lindsay at 443-692-2514.
NOTE: After seeking consent from the parent or individual client, you can request a postponement or relocation of the Medicaid hearing in any of the above cases if you cannot handle the case due to the hearing date or location. Based on past experience, OAH is willing to grant postponements if it will enable a parent or client without legal representation to obtain counsel.
COMMUNITY LAW CENTER needs your help with…
Litigation
Charles County
A community development corporation (CDC) needs an attorney to defend against a lawsuit brought against it involving a contract dispute with a CPA firm over payment for an audit. The CDC formed in order to renovate a former high school, previously scheduled for demolition, and is working to turn it into a neighborhood center that provides workforce development, health education and services, and job creation for low-income individuals in Southern Maryland. The next hearing is currently scheduled in District Court for St. Mary’s County on December 5, 2011. For more information, please contact Kelly Pfeifer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 410-366-0922 ext. 33.
Litigation
Baltimore County
Help defend a nonprofit that provides support to low- and moderate-income family caretakers whose loved ones have been the victims of violence. A lawsuit was filed on October 3, 2011 in Circuit Court for Baltimore County alleging breach of the organization’s lease for office space due to the organization’s failure to make rental payments. For more information, please contact Kelly Pfeifer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 410-366-0922 ext. 33.
Incorporation, 501(c)(3) Application
Baltimore City
A nonprofit seeks legal assistance incorporating and reviewing its application for recognition of tax-exemption. The organization trains volunteers and communities to prepare to respond to emergencies, such as natural disasters, public health crises, and terrorist attacks. For more information, please contact Kelly Pfeifer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 410-366-0922 ext. 33.
Other Announcements
*Thanks toKeisha Garner, Esq. andTehma H. Smith, Esq. for volunteering for cases recently.
MARYLAND VOLUNTEER LAWYERS SERVICE needs your help with…
Adult Guardianship Revocation
Baltimore County
Elderly client wants to regain guardianship of his property. No one has guardianship of his person. There was an order appointing Guardian of Property to an attorney in March 2011 in order to sell client's home. Client contested his home being sold because he wanted to move back into the home, although he is residing at a long term care facility. Client apparently appealed it and as it stands, the home is in the process of being sold. Client wants this guardianship revoked so he can handle his own future financials. Client currently has a bank account and receives an allowance of $71/month. He suffers from vascular dementia but a caseworker from Baltimore County Dept. of Aging, states that he is smart as a whip. To assist with MVLS Case No. 11E-1023515, contact Tara Miles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4070.
Child Guardianship
Baltimore City
Paternal grandmother (client) wants to obtain guardianship over her 14 year old grandson. Child has been with client since July 2008. Biological father is incarcerated and serving 10 years in federal prison. Father had an attorney prepare paperwork giving her custody of the child; however, nothing was filed in court. Biological mother died in June 2004 and there was a lawsuit for wrongful death. The child and his other 3 siblings (mother's children with child's stepfather) were given a trust in 2006. Client discovered that the child's last name was changed. All of his siblings are receiving annuities; however, her grandson has not. When client calls to get information she cannot because she is not his legal guardian. To assist with MVLS Case No. 11E-1023644, contact Tara Miles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4070.
Custody
Washington County
Mother of two children would like help getting custody of her children. The client currently has a Pendente Lite Custody and Visitation Order in her favor (sole legal and primary physical). Father has a Protective order against him. The next hearing is January 20, 2012 at 9:30am. To assist with MVLS Case No. 11E-1024321, contact Jessica Rich at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4069.
Disability Denial
Baltimore City
Disabled client wants to obtain his disability retirement from the city. He applied, went to his hearing on November 17, 2011 and his claim for Line-of-Duty Disability Retirement was denied. Client has been with the city working as a trash collector for 8 years (4 years as a temporary, 4 years as a permanent employee). In July 2008, he had an accident that caused him severe back, neck and shoulder problems. Client had 2 major surgeries due to this accident. He first applied on September 23, 2009. His last day of employment was October 16, 2009 and on the same day, he was advised that if he contests his removal and wanted to get an additional medical opinion regarding his capability of working he had to withdraw his application and told that he had 5 five years to file a new retirement application. He was never informed that he had only one year from the termination of his employment. He reapplied in October 2011, went to the hearing, and later received a denial letter. Client is not satisfied with the decision and has until December 17, 2011 to appeal. To assist with MVLS Case No. 11-0085238, contact Tara Miles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4070.
Name Change
Baltimore City
Minor child needs assistance in correcting her name on her birth certificate. To assist with MVLS Case No. 12-921CB34, contact Javius Cain at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4071.
Name Change/Correction (Spanish speaking client)
Baltimore City
Minor child needs her first name corrected on her birth certificate and social security card along with adding her mother’s last name the birth certificate. To assist with MVLS Case No. 121056CB34, contact Tara Miles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4070.
Foreclosure
Baltimore County
Client has been trying to work out a modification with Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo keeps telling the client that the modification is going through but they have still proceeded with the foreclosure. Client now has her father living with her who contributes $400/month to the household. Client would like to stop the foreclosure and have the modification go through. To assist with MVLS Case No. 11-0084913, contact Lawrence Burton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4072.
Foreclosure
Anne Arundel County
Client’s home was due for Foreclosure sale on September 29, 2011. Client had been in a Bankruptcy but had it lifted in order to work on a modification with the loan company. Client was told that because she was a state employee, she would not qualify for the modification program. According to case search, the Trustees Report of Sale was filed on October 7, 2011. Client would like to stop the ratification of the sale and work out a modification of the loan. To assist with MVLS Case No. 11E-1020563, contact Lawrence Burton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4072.
Other Housing
Washington County
Client’s friend passed away on February 28, 2011. Client had been paying the mortgage on the home. Client’s friend does not have any other living relatives nor did he have any children. Even though she has the money to pay the mortgage, the bank will not allow her to pay for the home nor will they talk to her. The bank changed the locks on the doors and will not let client reenter property. Client has opened up a small estate and will state that client is the only heir. To assist with MVLS Case No. 11E-1024310, contact Jessica Rich at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 443-451-4069.
Other Volunteer Service Opportunities
Maryland Family Law Attorneys & Mediators Needed
for the
Pro Bono Family Mediation Project
The Pro Bono Family Mediation Project, a joint venture among the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, the University of Baltimore School of Law and the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, engages volunteer mediators and lawyers to help resolve disputes in contested custody cases through day-of-court mediation. In its fifth year, the project has resulted in dozens of amicable agreements among families previously in conflict. PBRC recruits and manages the volunteer lawyers and mediators, who are vital to the success of the project.
The project partners work closely together to deliver volunteer mediation services to family litigants. The litigants are mostly pro se and offering volunteer mediation services and free legal representation helps expedite the legal process for those unable to afford legal counsel. Once the Court identifies a case appropriate for mediation, limited representation for purposes of the mediation session only is provided to the parties by a student attorney from the University of Baltimore and a volunteer attorney with at least three years of family law experience. Eligible volunteer mediators have 40 hours of basic civil mediation training, 20 hours of child access mediation training and 8 hours of mediation observation time or co-mediation of child access cases in Maryland Circuit Courts.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer attorney or mediator, please fill out theVolunteer Registration Formand return it to the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland by email, fax or regular mail.
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
520 W. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
phone: 410-837-9379; 800-396-1274
fax: 410-385-2616
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For more information about the Pro Bono Family Mediation Project, please contact Jennifer Larrabee, Esq., Director of Volunteer Services for the Pro Bono Resource Center, at (410) 837-9379; (800) 396-1274 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .