The Advocacy Gap Is Fueling the School-to-Prison Pipeline — Parents Can Help Stop It

We often hear about the school-to-prison pipeline once the damage is done — after a child has been suspended, expelled, or even arrested. But for many kids, this story starts much earlier. It begins when their learning or behavioral needs are overlooked, misunderstood, or not supported at all.

Understanding the Advocacy Gap

Too many families are left on their own, not knowing what rights they have or how to push for help. This is the advocacy gap. Closing it is one of the most important ways to keep children on track and out of the justice system.

Why Students with Disabilities Are at Greater Risk

Students with disabilities are far more likely to be disciplined at school. They make up only about 14 percent of the student population, yet account for roughly a quarter of all school-based arrests. For Black students with disabilities, the risks are even greater. This doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It often starts with a child struggling in school. Without the right evaluations or support, frustration grows. Behaviors worsen. Instead of getting help, the child is punished. They fall further behind, disengage, and too often, end up in the juvenile justice system.

How Laws Are Supposed to Protect Your Child

Federal laws like IDEA and Section 504 are supposed to protect children by ensuring schools evaluate their needs, provide necessary services, and consider disabilities before issuing discipline. But these protections don’t work automatically. Families who know how to navigate the system — or can afford advocates — usually secure the support their children need. Families who can’t are left behind. That’s the advocacy gap.

How Caregiver Advocacy Changes Outcomes

The hopeful truth is that when parents and caregivers understand their rights and how to use them, it changes everything. You can ask for evaluations before discipline decisions are made. You can ensure the school looks closely at whether your child’s behavior is linked to their disability. You can push for meaningful plans that address the root causes rather than simply punish symptoms.

You Are Not Alone in This Work

Advocating for your child is not easy. It takes time, energy, and often feels like one more heavy burden. But you don’t have to do it alone. The more families who learn, speak up, and support each other, the harder it becomes for systems to keep failing our kids.

Your Advocacy Builds a Better Future

Every time you stand up for your child, you do more than safeguard their future. You challenge a system that too often overlooks kids like yours. You show other parents what’s possible and remind them they’re not alone. Your advocacy builds momentum for change, helping ensure more children get the support they need to stay in school and out of court.

Keep asking questions. Keep pushing for what your child needs. Each step you take doesn’t just protect your family — it helps build a world where all children are supported, not punished.