The Division of Special Services is looking for volunteers interested in applying to become surrogate parents for students with disabilities, according to a press release issued on Monday by the Department of Education. Federal law mandates that children receiving special education and related services be represented by a parent who is recognized as an equal member of the team – which also includes a teacher, district supervisor or principal – tasked with developing that child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
If the child’s parent cannot be identified or found, or if that child is homeless or a ward of state/court, a surrogate parent is appointed to act in place of the parent so that the child’s rights can be safeguarded during the special education decision making process.
Surrogate parents represent the interests of the child in all areas of the special education and public education process. The department is under federal mandate to maintain a pool of trained surrogate parents responsible for carrying out these duties for children in need.
To be considered as a volunteer, interested applicants must:
– be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the territory and over the age of 18
– Not be employed by the Department of Education or any agency/business involved in the education or care of the appointed child
-have no interests that conflict with the interests of the child that he/she represents
-have the time to be involved in the educational program of the child that he/she represents and fulfill the responsibilities of a surrogate parent
The DOE’s Division of Special Services will provide training for all selected volunteers.
For more information on the training program or the role and responsibilities of a surrogate parent, call 718-7997, ext. 241 or e-mail [email protected].