Educational Surrogate Parent Program

The Educational Surrogate Parent Program (ESPP) upholds the special educational rights of students who are in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS).

Description:
The Educational Surrogate Parent Program (ESPP)recruits, trains and appoints volunteers to act as decision makers in special education matters for children who are in the custody of a state agency, whose parent or guardian are unknown or unavailable. Volunteers with the ESP Program provide a strong voice of advocacy for these students to ensure that they receive educational services that they deserve and are entitled to. The Educational Surrogate Parent acts on behalf of the child by having all the rights and authority of a parent in matters of special education . This includes the right to:
*Meet and observe the child at school;
*Review all school records and receive progress reports;
*Attend school meetings concerning the child;
*Approve an Individualized Education Program (IEP); and
*Monitor the child's services and educational placement.

Volunteers with The Educational Surrogate Parent Program must:
*Be at least 18 years of age;
*Have or be willing to obtain knowledge of the special education process through our free training workshop;
*Submit an application, provide two(2)references, and complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Inquiry).

ESP Program volunteers typically spend 10-20 hours per year on behalf of their student. The ESP Program provides ongoing training and support, technical assistance, access to resources in the community and an Annual Professional Development and Recognition Conference.

History:
The Educational Surrogate Parent Program (ESPP) has been operated by the EDCO Collaborative, Inc., for more than ten years under a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE). In that time, hundreds of volunteers have supported the rights of students with special educational needs to more fully access a range of supports and services that are essential for a successful education and future.

Contact person: Deanna Forist, Volunteer Coordinator, (508) 792-7679, (email)

Office fax number: (508) 616-0318

Address:

P.O. Box 1184/167 Lyman Street, Hadley Building, 3rd Floor Westboro, MA 01581

Web Site: http://espprogram.org

Directions:

From the South: Route 495 North to Route 9 West. At traffic lights, (1-2 miles) turn right onto Lyman Street. Burger King on the right. Large brick building 1/4 mile on right is Hadley Building. ESPP is located on the. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Are any opportunities appropriate for youth ages 18 or under? If yes, what age range?
	Minimum Age Requirement is 18 years

Last updated on February 4, 2009