A recent study found that students with disabilities made up 50% of school disciplinary referrals to police in Connecticut. Approximately twenty-four high schools across Connecticut routinely refer disciplinary measures to the local police departments for students that are federally protected with a behavior-based disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. To view statistics within your local school district, click here to analyze your district’s annual report card.

Notably, the top three “worst” schools with the most police referrals involving children with disabilities are New Britain High School (81 police referrals, 39 with disabilities), South Windsor High School (69 police referrals, 36 with disabilities), and Danbury High School (64 police referrals, 20 with disabilities). In several other schools, including Bristol Central High School, Pomperaug Regional High School in Southbury, Greenwich High School and Watertown High School, more than 60% of police referrals involve students with disabilities.

If your child is facing a disciplinary issue at school or is arrested, it is critical you consult with an education lawyer experience with juvenile defense law to immediately to rectify the issue. At Forte Law Group, we handle suspensions, expulsions and juvenile arrests.