The Who Can Serve as IDEA Parent - DSS/GAL Worksheet should be completed jointly by the DSS Child Welfare Worker and GAL at the following times:

• When the child first enters DSS custody; 

• Before each placement change; and

• Before each court hearing (submitted to the Court as an attachment to the DSS Court Summary or GAL Court Report)

Each time the worksheet is completed, it should be sent to a CMS-DSS Educational Liaison

The Who Can Serve as IDEA Parent - LEA Worksheet is designed to help the LEA determine who is eligible to make special education decisions for the child. 

This order can be used by the court to appoint or release an IDEA Parent. 

This order is entered for the purpose of providing necessary documentation to the Local Education Agency when determining whether a surrogate parent should be assigned to make educational decisions for a child. 

This document is available in each juvenile courtroom in Mecklenburg County. All juvenile court stakeholders should expect these questions to be asked, and be prepared to answer them.