Parent Participation
Module 7
Not every "parent" is biological, but by having someone either biological, adoptive, or assigned by the courts allows the child to always have someone by their side, to stick up, fight for them and to have their best interest at heart. It's someone by their side to help them become successful.
Definition of a Parent
- A Natural, Biological Parent
- Adoptive Parent
- Foster Parent
- A guardian
- An individual acting in the place of a natural or adoptive parent
- An individual assigned to be a surrogate parent ( a surrogate parent is someone who is not an employee of the SEA, LEA, or an agency involved in the child's education and care).
Confidentiality of Records
Since some families have children where there is medical involvement, Congress passed an additional law of confidentiality: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPPA prevents medical members from sharing information with anyone other than the parents unless ordered to do so.
Regardless of whether the child is covered under FERPA or HIPPA the parents have a right to the records until the child reaches age of majority.
Age of Majority
When the child approaches age of majority, not later than 1 year before IEP meeting must include a statement that the child is aware and informed of their rights and if their rights will transfer to him or her at this age.
However, if the child is not able to act and be responsible on their own for their rights , then its the states responsibility to either appoint the parent as responsible or assign an appropriate individual to act on behalf of the child.