| SPECIAL EDUCATION
SURROGATE PARENT SERVICES
The surrogate parent is appointed to serve as the educational representative
for the student who is suspected of having, or has been determined
to have a disability. This appointment is made under special conditions
with certain qualifications required.
State and federal regulations require the surrogate parent to represent
the student in all matters relating to:
When Must a Surrogate Parent Be Appointed For A Student?
A surrogate parent must be appointed for a child, ages 2 to 21,
inclusive, who is suspected of having or determined to have a disability
when:
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No parent can be identified; or
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The Division, after reasonable efforts, including contacts
with community agencies, cannot discover the whereabouts of
a parent; or
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A child has reached the age of majority and the school division
has received written notification that the child is not competent
to provide informed consent and no family member is available
to serve as the child's educational representative.
How Is A Surrogate Parent Selected For Appointment?
The Local Education Agency (LEA) is required to develop and maintain
a list of individuals who have volunteered to serve in this capacity
and who are qualified to serve as surrogate parents.
The Division's Superintendent or designee appoints the surrogate
parent(s) upon recommendation from the Director of Special Education
or a designee.
What Are The Qualifications Of A Surrogate Parent?
A person shall be determined as qualified to serve as a surrogate
by the Director of Special Education or a designee.
Qualifications include a person who:
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Has no interest that conflicts with the interest of the child;
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Has knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation
of the child;
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Has completed a Division approved training session prior to
representing the child;
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Is not an employee of the Virginia Department of Education,
or any other agency which is involved in the education or care
of the child;
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Is an adult; and
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Resides in the same geographic area as the child, whenever
possible.
How Can You Become A Surrogate Parent?
Persons who are interested in serving the Division's students with
disabilities should contact the Parent Resource
Center at (757) 886-7859 for further information.
The Newport News School Division
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, creed, marital status, age or disability in its
programs, activities, or employment practices as required by
the Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA regulations.
Regina Harris, HR Compliance Supervisor, Human Resources, Newport
News Public Schools, at 12507 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA
23606, (757-881-5061), is responsible for coordinating the division's
efforts to meet its obligations under Section 504, Title IX,
the ADA, and their implementing regulations.
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