Abigail Adkins

The Project

Abigail will improve school safety by advocating for the provision of comprehensive school- and community-based mental health services for at-risk students.

Children with behavioral health challenges are often identified as disciplinary problems, this project seeks to ensure that as schools collect data to assess potential safety risks, at-risk youth receive appropriate special education and community-based services.

Prior to law school, Abigail worked with children in out-of-home care who had mental health needs and developmental disabilities, seeing the difference made by behavioral health services inspired her to advocate for systemic reforms to make school a safer, more welcoming place for all students.

Fellowship Plans

Abigail and Southern Legal Counsel will represent students to obtain comprehensive mental health and behavioral services. Focusing on youth with school disciplinary or mental health concerns, such as multiple contacts with the juvenile justice system or involuntary psychiatric examinations, the project will work to remove systemic barriers blocking access to educational and health services. In addition to direct representation, Abigail will engage in a variety of community education and engagement efforts through partnerships with parents, educators, children’s attorneys, and other community stakeholders.

Media