The Maine DOE is seeking volunteers to serve as surrogate parents for children with disabilities in educational matters.
The Department’s Surrogate Parent Program was established to provide surrogate parents to children with disabilities whenever the natural parents or guardian of a student with a disability cannot be identified, located or when the student is in the custody of the state. Surrogate parents are given the rights of the natural parents for educational matters including consent for evaluation and placement, authorization for release of information, and request for due process proceedings.
The intent of the surrogate parent program is to ensure that all children with disabilities are provided with equal educational opportunities.
Over 200 students in Maine currently need a surrogate parent appointed to assist them with their educational program and rights.
For more information, click here or contact Sue Nay of the Maine DOE Office of Special Services at 624-6774 or sue.nay@maine.gov.