Guardianship of your child is a serious step in the transition process. The courts have recently changed the process and are requiring a thorough review of the documentation. In order to adequately and accurately pursue this option, it is advisable to seek an attorney who specializes in Guardianship services. As part of this lengthy process, you will be asked to verify the documentation through an independent licensed physician/psychologist. In order to have the process completed legally and accurately this independent physician/psychologist needs to be someone who has diagnosed and/or treated your child. A district does not diagnose a student and therefore the legitimacy of the verification of this document has been challenged by the courts. Commack UFSD advises that you seek the appropriate independent individuals to assist you with this process so that you may attain the necessary approval by the court system in an expedited manner. Otherwise, the Guardianship application will be rejected by the courts and you will need to begin this lengthy process once again. In the meantime, we recommend you apply for ACCES-VR and/or OPWDD eligibility if you have not already done so as they can provide a plethora of services that can help your child transition with the appropriate resources.
For further guidance please reference the Guardianship tab in the Suffolk Transition Resources Website located in the home page. The following is also the link to this site: SUFFOLK COUNTY TRANSITION RESOURCES WEBSITE