A significant number of children and adolescents have special needs in the school setting. Their access to appropriate services is guided by public school law, which has evolved over the last 45 years. This evolution and the related growth in school mediation and litigation often leaves the child and adolescent psychiatrist bewildered. This Workshop provides a working understanding of the present legal framework and related challenges faced by school administrators, which enhancees the child and adolescent psychiatrist’s ability to constructively collaborate with schools and effectively advocate for the needs of their patients. A historical review of public school law and the present working guidelines for students with special educational needs, the 13 categories of eligibility, and the challenges in delivery of special services are presented from the view point of a school psychologist, an attorney, a director of special education, and a child and adolescent psychiatrist serving as a school consultant.