Record last updated 2024/09/04 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

Special Education Surrogate Parents make educational decisions for students in Massachusetts whose parents are unknown or unavailable. They meet with their assigned student or observe them in the classroom, receive all progress reports and report cards and attend IEP meetings as an acting surrogate parent.

The mission of the RTSC Project at the Federation for Children with Special Needs is to ensure that every child in state custody receives the educational supports they need to succeed. We strive to meet this goal by recruiting volunteers from across the state and providing them with the training and support they need to be effective Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs).

The Special Education Surrogate Parent Program (SESPP) is a project of the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE). The SESP Program is federally mandated through IDEA to uphold the special educational rights of students who are in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). The SESP Program recruits, trains and appoints volunteers to represent these children. Volunteers with the SESP Program provide a strong voice of advocacy for students with special educational needs. SESP Volunteers are integral members of the child's educational team, collaborating with DCF, schools and community providers to ensure that students have access to the educational services that promote a more successful future. Potential SESP Volunteers must be eighteen years of age, submit an application, provide two references, complete a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI) and attend an Orientation Training. SESP Volunteers typically spend 10-20 hours per school year on behalf of their student. The SESP Program provides ongoing training and support, technical assistance, access to resources in the community and an Annual Professional Development and Recognition Conference.

Service Types

• Case Management
• Disability Awareness
• Education Law
• Family Rights And Guardianship
• Family Support
• Legal Representation
• Skills Training
• Socialization Activities

Program Type

• Advocacy
• Assistive Technology and Equipment
• Communication
• Counseling
• Education
• Legal
• Support Groups

Populations Served

• All Disabilities
• Developmental Disability

Ages Served

• 3 - 4
• 5 - 8
• 9 - 13
• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22

Additional Information

• Fees: Free Service
• Licensed By: DOE