SURROGATE PARENT Information for Local District Administration Developed by Oakland Schools 2007

Content  Definitions  Qualities of a surrogate parent  Roles  Responsibilities

Who is a Parent? Parent means – Biological or adoptive parent – Foster parent – Guardian

Who Else is a Parent? A parent also means: – A person acting in place of a biological or adoptive parent with whom the child lives like a grandparent, stepparent or other relative – A person who is legally responsible for the child’s welfare – A surrogate parent who has been appointed by the district

Definition of a Parent A. Biological B. Adoptive C. Foster D. Relative living with the child E. Family friend Which one is not a parent?

What is a Surrogate Parent? An adult volunteer assigned by the school to act in place of a student’s parent when:  The parent cannot be identified  The parent cannot be located after reasonable efforts  The child is a ward of the state or  The student is unaccompanied and homeless

When Does a Student Eligible for Special Education Need a Surrogate Parent? A. When parents are in jail B. When parents cannot be located C. When living with family friends while the parents are working out of the country for six months D. All of the above

Who Can be a Surrogate Parent?  An adult that is not employed by the district or state or community agency which is involved in the education or care of the student  An adult whose activities do not conflict with the interests of the student  An adult with knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation of the student

A Judge May Appoint a Surrogate Parent When: The student is a ward of the state A judicial decree or order identifies a person to act as the parent or to make educational decisions (e.g., divorce or custody)

Who can be a Surrogate Parent?  Any interested and caring adult  An adult with knowledge and skills  An adult that works in the school district  An adult who employs the student in a part time job Which describes a good candidate for a surrogate parent?

What is the Timeline for Appointment? The district shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that a surrogate parent is assigned not more than 30 days after the determination by the district that the student needs a surrogate parent

Characteristics of a Surrogate Parent:  Committed to learn about the student’s educational needs and the special education system in which he/she is enrolled  Able to communicate with school personnel regarding educational procedures or programs  Responsible with confidential information

What are Surrogate Parent Responsibilities? Represent the student in all matters related to: – Identification – Evaluation – Educational placement – Provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE)

A Surrogate Parent May:  Visit the student’s school to review educational records  Attend meetings as needed to gather information about the student  Meet the student

A Surrogate Parent May (cont.):  Observe the student in the classroom, if appropriate  Consult with the teachers, family members, therapist, caseworkers, and other professionals involved in the student’s education  Advocate in the best interest for the student’s educational benefit

Surrogate Parent is Expected to: Attend meetings such as:  30-day temporary placement  Evaluation review  Eligibility determination  Individualized Education Program Team meeting  Manifestation Determination Review  Functional Assessment of Behavior and Behavior Plan development and review  other educational meetings as necessary

Surrogate Parents as IEP Team Members  Sign in as a participant  Provide input to identify student needs  Review the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)  Determine Goals and Objectives with others on the team  Determine the Least Restrictive Environment as a team member  Identify Accommodations and Modifications  Consider if accommodations are needed for the student to participate in State and District wide Assessments  Discuss and develop Transition Plans when the student is 14 or older  Determine the frequency of Progress Reports  Sign the commitment page

Signing on the Dotted Line: Surrogate parents may sign: – Initial Consent – Evaluation Consent – IEP commitment – IEP Addendum – And other documents related to the special education programs and services for the student

A Surrogate Parent’s Role in Dispute Resolution May Include:  Requesting an IEP Facilitator  Attending mediation  Writing a formal complaint  Initiating a Due Process Hearing

Questions Kathleen Barker, Laura McClure, Frances Paris,