New York City Public Schools

Addressing chronic school avoidance in NYC public schools due to mental health and psychological barriers.

A class action lawsuit filed in 2024 by the Legal Aid Society and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman alleged that New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) lacked concrete processes to address chronic school avoidance, impacting tens of thousands of students struggling with anxiety, depression, and other emotional disabilities. The settlement agreement mandates NYCPS to implement stronger identification methods for school avoidance, including standardized practices for mental health and psychological barriers, increased teacher training, and the designation of a "school avoidance liaison" in every school. The agreement also allows for remote or alternative location psychological evaluations for students unable to attend school, and aims to provide better support services like behavioral therapy and counseling. This settlement affects approximately 1,600 New York City public schools.

• Students in New York City public schools who struggle to attend class due to anxiety, depression, or other emotional disabilities.
• Exact eligibility criteria will be determined once the claim process opens.