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Deal aimed at helping Flint kids exposed to lead

DETROIT — Thousands of children who were exposed to lead in Flint’s drinking water would get access to more health screenings and education services under a deal announced Monday.

Families will be encouraged to get kids signed up on a registry, which will lead to tests and screenings to determine any unique education needs, according to an agreement that partially settles a federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan, the Flint school district and a regional education agency.

Participation will be voluntary, but more than 25,000 people could be eligible, including some young adults who haven’t graduated from high school, said attorney Greg Little of the New Jersey-based Education Law Center.

“This is truly a historic partnership” with Michigan and Flint-area school districts, said Little, who is leading a legal team that includes the American Civil Liberties Union.

“The community needs to understand completely the opportunities that are available,” he said.

Lead-tainted water flowed in Flint for 18 months before a disaster was declared in 2015. The corrosive water wasn’t properly treated before it moved through old plumbing.

There is no safe lead level in the human body. It can cause behavior problems and a lower IQ.

The state will provide $4.1 million to get the program started by fall, although the money still must be approved by Michigan lawmakers. There was no immediate comment from the state Education Department.

Little said certain education services are guaranteed under federal law once a special need has been identified.

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