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Last updated on May 12, 2008

The ESP Program recruits, trains and appoints volunteers to make special education decisions for students in state custody and have no parent or guardian to represent them.

Description:
If a child is in the custody of a state agency, the Department of Education is responsible to ensure that there is an adult with no conflicting interests to make special education decisions on behalf of the child. The program receives referrals of students, determines eligibility, and matches these students with volunteers to stand in as "Surrogate Parents" to act in the role of special education decision maker. When appointed, the ESP has the same rights and responsibilities as a parent in special education matters relating to the student, including the right to represent the student in the identification, evaluation, and educational placement.

History:
Federal Law and Massachusetts 603 CMR 28.00 Regulations require that procedures be in place to protect the educational rights of all students who may require special education services, including children who are in the custody of a state agency. In order to ensure representation for all students, the ESP Program is mandated nationwide.

Contact person: Deanna Forist, Director, Community Outreach, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 508-616-0318

Address:

P.O. Box 1184 Westboro, MA 01581

Web Site: http://www.espprogram.org

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