Personal Stories - Karley

My daughter Karley had attended the same after school/summer program for the past 5 years. Last year, we had first received a letter stating Karley was accepted into their 2016 summer program and the fees had been paid. Approximately 2 weeks before the summer program was to start, the organization requested a meeting. We were told that Karley would not be able to attend the program until staff could be trained to care to Karley in order for her to be “safe.” I offered to go into their facility as I had done in the past, to train the staff and answer any questions they may have in regards to my daughter. The organization refused to allow me to conduct the training, stating that I wasn’t an “expert”. Two days before the summer program was to begin, the organization held another meeting stating that Karley was not able to attend because they have not been able to find anyone to train their staff. Further, I was told if I took her to their program they would call the Department of Social Services to remove her from their facility.

I contacted South Dakota Advocacy Services to seeking assistance. After attending different meetings with our family and the organization, South Dakota Advocacy Services filed a complaint against the organization. South Dakota Advocacy Services has given me advice and answered any questions that I have had and always explained what needs to be done for the next step in the process.

Not only does South Dakota Advocacy Services give you legal advice, they have compassion and understanding of what a heart wrenching experience families are going through, and do whatever they can do to make the process less stressful on you and your family. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I have someone else fighting for my daughter’s rights to belong with her friends and shouldn’t be denied just because her needs are different than that of her friends. This process has been much less stressful with the help of South Dakota Advocacy Services.