5145.71 - Surrogate Parent Program

5145.71 

Students

Surrogate Parent Program

Any child considered by the school district to require special education and whose natural parents are unavailable as defined by law, or who is a ward of the state, or such child is an unaccompanied and homeless youth, as defined in 42 USC 11434a, may be provided a surrogate parent appointed by the Commissioner of Education or a designee in the manner provided by law.

"Surrogate parent" means the person appointed by the Commissioner of Education as a child's advocate in the educational decision-making process in place of the child's parents or guardian.

The function of the surrogate parent will be to act as the child's advocate in the educational decision-making process, which includes all special education identification, evaluation, placement, hearing, mediation, and appeal procedures conducted for the student.

In addition, the surrogate parent will also act as the child’s advocate in the evaluation and Planning procedures available to children under Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act.

The surrogate parent shall have the same right of access as the natural parents or guardian to all records concerning the child, including, but not limited to, educational, medical, psychological and welfare records. The Board shall provide surrogate parents with the same notifications provided to a student’s natural parents or guardians. Such notification shall include, but is not limited to, annual notification of Board policies regarding student conduct and discipline and if the Board suspends or expels a child, any suspension or expulsion hearing notices.

The law makes provisions whereby a parent or legal guardian or the student for whom a surrogate parent has been appointed may contest the surrogate parent appointment.

(cf. 3511 - Compliance with 504 Regulations)

(cf. 5114 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)

(cf. 5131 - Conduct)

(cf. 5144 - Discipline)

(cf. 5145 - Civil, Legal Rights and Responsibility)

(cf. 6171 - Special Education)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-94f Definitions.

10-94g Commissioner of Education to appoint surrogate parent. Procedure

for objection to or extension of said appointment.

10-94h Duration of appointment as surrogate parent. Appointment of successor surrogate parent.

10-94i Rights and liabilities of surrogate parents.

10-94j Regulations re appointment of surrogate parents

10-94k Funding of surrogate program.

10-233e Notice as to disciplinary policies and actions.

17a-110 Permanency plans for children. Contracts with private child- placing agencies. Funding.

PA 06-18 An Act Concerning Special Education

PA 15-5, Sections 243-244 of June Special Session

Section 504 U.S. Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 791

Policy Adopted: March 28, 2013

Policy Revised: August 10, 2023