NC DPI Orders Special Ed Plan for Youth Home

0:00It's April 28th. Welcome to Durham News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction just ruled that kids with disabilities at the Durham County Youth Home got sure changed on there. Special Education Services back in early 2025. During a lockdown in February and March, these juveniles, waiting on court decisions, couldn't access the education they're guaranteed under federal. The facility locked down students in their rooms up to 24 hours a day, blocking school staff from in-person or even virtual visits. Officials there refused Durham Public Schools educators entry to the residential areas, leaving four kids with disabilities to scrape by on just. 30 minutes of class time, instead of the usual five or six hours daily. Groups like the ACLU of North Carolina and Duke Children's Law Clinic pushed the complaint that sparked this investigation. They highlighted how these youth, already in a tough spot, shouldn't lose out on vital schooling because of facility issues.

1:01Now DPI stepping in with the fix, they've ordered Durham Public Schools to team up with the youth home and create a solid plan by May 15th. That plan covers keeping special ed flowing during any future lockdowns or making up for lost time with alternatives. This ruling pushes for better teamwork between schools and attention spots, making sure no kid falls through the cracks on their right to learn. No, matter the circumstances.