There are occasions when a school must identify a surrogate parent for a student. A surrogate parent is a person appointed to represent the interests of a child with a disability in the educational decision-making process when that child has no other parent representation.
The surrogate has all of the rights and responsibilities of a parent under Part B. Thus, the surrogate parent is entitled to
- participate in the child’s IEP meeting,
- see the child’s education records, and
- receive notice, grant consent, and use due process to resolve differences.
Your local ISD/RESA should be able to provide information specific to your district. Michigan Department of Education has information available:
- Policy for the Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education Services.
- Surrogate Parents and Special Education Decision-Making Guidance
More resources:
Foster Parents
Foster parents and teachers can improve educational outcomes for foster youth by knowing the facts and then identify the roadblocks that may hamper the child’s chances for success. All of the IEP information on our website applies to foster families, but here are some resources for challenges particular to foster families.
- Foster Care District Liaisons Every School distirct is required to have a foster care liaison who coordinates with the child welfare agency to develop and support the educational needs of children in foster care.
- Addressing the Educational Needs of Children in Foster Care in Michigan
- Extra Support in School So Students in Foster Care Can Thrive Student Advocacy Center
- Every Student Succeeds Act Foster Care Provisions
- Resources Especially for Foster Families
- Students in Foster Care
- Foster Care Transition Kit
Surrogate Parents– from the Michigan Alliance for Families Webinar Series
