2If it’s apparent that a child has a disability and the state is unable to locate the parents, the court appoints a surrogate parent to make educational decisions for the child. If you would like to be a surrogate parent, the following guidelines will help you.
- Make sure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to represent the child in special education matters. If you don't have the skills, be willing to invest the necessary time to learn.Observe the following criteria: you may not work for the school district, the Department of Education or any other agency involved in caring for the child.Contact the child’s school district (special education department), if you would like to apply to be a surrogate parent for a child with a disability.File a complaint with the state’s Department of Education if the school fails to appoint a surrogate parent and you would like to request surrogate parent rights.Request surrogate parent rights if you’re a foster parent who’s had a long-term parental relationship with the child. You must be willing to make decisions regarding educational matters and you must not have any interests that conflict with the child’s interests.
