WHY SURROGATE PARENTS ARE NEEDED

Every child who receives special education services needs to have a parent participate as a member of the IEP team to advocate for the child. The law provides direction in case a child does not have parents available. Under the law, a “parent” is defined as a “biological, adoptive or foster parent, guardian or an individual acting in the place of a biological or adoptive parent (including a relative) of a child, but not the state if the student is a ward of the state.” As defined above, anyone acting in the parent role has all the rights given to parents under the law. Children who are wards of the state or unaccompanied homeless children who do not have a foster parent to represent them must have a surrogate parent appointed by the Local Education Agency (LEA).

If you would like to volunteer as a surrogate parent in the IEP process join this virtual upcoming training for certification on February 11th here.