An educational surrogate parent fills the role of a parent for a student with a disability whenever decisions are made about the student’s educational program and placement. A surrogate parent is needed when a student has no identified parent, guardian or person acting as a parent or has parents who after reasonable efforts, cannot be located by the district. A surrogate parent is also needed if a student is the ward of the state without an acting parent or an unaccompanied homeless youth as defined by law.

If a student is in need or is suspected of needing a surrogate parent please contact the Director of Special Services for further information. If it is determined that the student needs a surrogate parent, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be notified in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

Board of Education Policy Reference: IGBA