The V.I. Department of Education is looking for a few good men and women interested in volunteering to become surrogate parents for students with disabilities, the department announced Monday. The surrogate parent would help create the child’s "individualized education plan," which is required by the U.S. government.

Federal law mandates that children receiving special education and related services be represented by a parent, along with a team including a teacher, a district supervisor or principal, who are tasked with developing that child’s individualized education plan.

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, according to the Department of Education.

Surrogate parents represent the interests of the child in all areas of the public education process. The Education 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;
– and have the time to be involved in the educational program of the child he or she represents and fulfill the responsibilities of a surrogate parent.

The Department’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 (340) 718-7997 ext. 241 or email [email protected].