1. Educational Rights Holder Program Training Materials Module 1: Overview

2. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
General Overview
What is an ERH?
When/why does a student in foster care need an ERH?

3. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
Persons Who May Serve as ERH
Eligible Persons
Ineligible Persons

4. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
Becoming an ERH through the ERHP
Be at least 18 years old
High school diploma or equivalent
Completed application
Completed background check
Pre-service training
Court appointment

5. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
Duration of ERH Appointment
Events that Terminate Appointment
Resignation of ERH

6. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
Access educational records / authorize the disclosure of information
Receive notice of and participate in all meetings or proceedings relating to school discipline;
Advocate for the interests of a student with exceptional needs
Attend and participate in the student’s educational planning/service meetings
Consent to the student’s educational plans

7. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
ERH Responsibilities – general
Investigate the student’s educational and developmental-services needs
Determine whether those needs are being met
Act on behalf of the student in all matters relating to educational or developmental services

8. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
ERH Responsibilities – specific
Meet with the student initially and as often as necessary to make decisions that are in the student’s best interests
Be culturally sensitive to the student
Comply with all federal and state confidentiality laws
Participate in, and make decisions regarding, all matters affecting the child's or youth's educational or developmental-services needs
Maintain knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation of the student’s needs and interests

9. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
ERH Responsibilities – specific
Before each statutory review hearing,
Provide information/recommendations concerning the student’s educational or developmental-services needs to the assigned social worker
Make written recommendations to the court concerning the student’s educational or developmental-services needs (JV-537)
Attend the review hearing and participate in any part of the hearing that concerns the student’s education or developmental services

10. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
Typical ERH Activities
Make contact
Review, plan, take action
Participate, consult, report
Monitor

11. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
ERH Checklist
General education information
Change in placement/school
Health factors impacting education
Special education / related services
Transitioning
Miscellaneous

12. The Role of ERH: Authority, Responsibilities, and Duties
Other Resources:
ERH Contact List
ERH Resource List
Sample Letters