FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test 2026 - Free ESE Practice Questions and Study Guide

Public Law 99-372, also known as the Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986, played a significant role in enhancing the rights of parents in the context of special education due process hearings. One of the notable impacts of this law is that it allows parents to claim attorney's fees if they prevail in a due process hearing. This provision helps to support parents in navigating the legal complexities of advocating for their child's educational needs, ensuring they can seek legal representation without the burden of prohibitive costs, particularly in situations where they might be opposing school district decisions.

The ability to recover attorney's fees under this law serves as an important incentive for parents to assert their rights and seek appropriate services for their children. It acknowledges the often-disproportionate power dynamics in special education disputes and aims to level the playing field by allowing families to have access to legal resources necessary to advocate effectively for their children.