"I found my calling both personally and professionally," says Special Education Surrogate Parent Janet Duncan of Falmouth. As the mother of a child with special needs, she learned to navigate the ins and outs of the public education system and, like many other parents, dove in feet first to become familiar with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Suddenly evaluations, diagnoses, therapies, 504 plans, education laws, annual review meetings, impromptu team meetings and seemingly endless paperwork became the agenda of every day. So when the opportunity arose to volunteer her expertise for the Special Education Surrogate Parenting Program (SESPP), Duncan dove in once again. Over the past eight years, she has been instrumental in determining and securing education services for twenty-nine Massachusetts children.

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The background stories are often unhappy ones; in fact, many are distinctly sad and disturbing. From the abused and neglected teenager to the malnourished or abandoned child, youth in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) face hardships most of us will thankfully never know. A number of children also have diagnoses that directly affect their learning, thus requiring special education services.

When a child is removed from parental custody, the parent(s) forfeits the right to make special education decisions. But, by law, children are entitled to educational representation. The question begs, who will be the voice of the child?

"SESPP is a federally mandated program serving approximately 2500 children across the state," says Program Director Michelle Poulin. "Most of the children…are in group homes, residential homes or STARR Programs," some for crisis intervention, assessment, stabilization and treatment.

Based in Westborough and financed by Federal Discretionary Funds, SESPP is responsible for training and assigning volunteers to act as educational decision-makers, representing children in the care of DCF. These "Surrogate Parents" take on the parental role regarding a child's education by doing what is necessary to ensure that particular child receives an appropriate education: understanding legalities, reviewing case files, assessing programs and therapies, initiating and attending meetings, etc.

By law, all children who have been evaluated and deemed eligible for special education are assigned an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team consisting of teachers, therapists and specialists. This team works in partnership with parents or guardians to determine a 'plan of action,' documented as an IEP. IEP meetings occur annually and in certain circumstances, several times a year. Parents are integral to the Team, bringing with them in-depth knowledge of their child, often unknown to educators. For children in DCF custody, however, Special Education Surrogate Parents step into this role and through documentation, visits, meetings and inquiries, familiarize themselves with children's backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses and interests. Prior to implementation, an IEP plan requires the signature of a parent, guardian or Special Education Surrogate Parent.

Unsung heroes of the special education system, surrogate parents ensure that children receive the education to which they are entitled. "There is no typical case," says Elizabeth Farwell, SESPP Volunteer Training and Support Coordinator. Students' needs are as varied as are students themselves.

"Some cases do not take a lot of time, and some can be hugely consuming," adds Duncan. Although always thrilled if a student makes it to graduation, Duncan emphasizes that success for a surrogate parent "…is not based on how the student performs in school. Success is really measured in small increments." For example:

• Transitioning a child through one of many moves with minimal educational disruptions
• Identifying an overlooked problem or need
• aintaining a beneficial educational program or situation

"Provide an education, change a life," is a motto expressed by Farwell during a recent training session at the RFK School in Lancaster. A SESPP volunteer is someone over the age of 18 who wishes to play a crucial role for a child in need. He or she should have prior knowledge of special education or a willingness to train on the subject. First steps to enter the program include completing an application, providing references and submitting a CORI check.

For those interested in training, the program offers initial four-hour courses at various venues throughout the year. Numerous support opportunities in the form of monthly trainings, conferences, mentors and experts-on-call are available. Volunteers determine their own time commitments.

The majority of surrogates known to Duncan are also parents of children with special needs. In addition, "a tremendous number of volunteers are retired teachers or school administrators." Regarding her full plate, Duncan says, "There's satisfaction in making a difference…It's a good busy."
Sue Lovejoy is a Holden-based freelance writer.

Special Education Surrogate Parent

*Michelle Poulin, SESP Program Director
Additional information regarding the Special Education Surrogate Parent Program is available at www.sespprogram.org or by calling 508-792-7679.