Volunteer Surrogate Parent

VOLUNTEER SURROGATE PARENT

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

POSITION

The Volunteer Surrogate Parent will occupy the role of a parent in representing the rights of the student in the Special Education process, whenever the location of the parent or guardian is not known or available, the child is an unaccompanied homeless youth, or the child is a ward of the State.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

1. Must meet specific qualifications as follows:

a. Have no interest that conflicts with the interest of the student he or she represents;

b. Possess knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation of the student;

c. Not be replaced without cause;

d. Be at least 18 years of age;?

2. Must volunteer to perform duties of a parent or guardian in the Special Education process.

3. Must be appointed by a judge or a public agency to make decisions related to the provision of Special Education services for IDEA-eligible or thought-to-be IDEA eligible children.

4. Must meet the legal definition of a surrogate parent as per federal regulations.

5. Must successfully complete the surrogate parent training in order to serve as surrogate parent.

6. Must not be an employee of a public agency or be involved in the education or care of the child.

6. Must have the knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation of the child.

REPORTS TO: Judge or Public Agency

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

After receiving training by SOMSD a surrogate parent's primary responsibilities are:

* Ensure the rights of IDEA-eligible or thought-to-be IDEA eligible children.
* Represent an IDEA-eligible child or thought-to-be eligible child in matters relating to the identification, assessment, educational placement, and the provision of FAPE.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT TBD