Legal Services
The Lauriston Centre can provide expert witness services to help families access diagnostic services and educational needs reviews. By providing comprehensive assessments, clear recommendations, and advocacy in legal or educational settings, our expert witnesses can play a critical role in ensuring children with disabilities or special needs receive the support they require.
The services can be covered by Legal Aid (if the family is entitled to receive it) or be privately funded. The service involves:
Assessment and Evaluation
The expert witness conducts detailed assessments to understand the child’s needs.
Diagnostic Services
Perform or review comprehensive evaluations to confirm or refine diagnoses (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, ADHD).
Use clinical expertise to interpret diagnostic criteria and medical or psychological findings.
Educational Needs
Assess cognitive, behavioural, and social skills to identify specific learning challenges.
Evaluate the child’s access to appropriate educational resources and services.
Report Writing
Our expert prepares written reports to the court to present their findings and recommendations. These reports must adhere to legal standards, be objective, and provide clear evidence to support the child’s need for diagnostic services or specific educational provisions.
Reports may highlight gaps in current services, detail the necessity for specialised support (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, or educational accommodations), or suggest alternative educational placements.
