A surrogate parent is someone who may assume the responsibilities in matters relating to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of students for whom no parent or guardian can be identified, or their whereabouts is unknown, or the child is a ward of the state. Surrogate parents are volunteers who are trained by the intermediate unit to serve in this capacity. To qualify as a surrogate parent you must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a volunteer
- Be a person of good character
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess reasonable abilities to make a decision concerning a student’s educational needs
- Be committed to acquaint yourself with the student’s educational needs and with Pennsylvania’s educational system
- Have no vested interest that would conflict with the primary allegiance to the student you would represent.
Duties of a surrogate parent include becoming familiar with special education regulations, being involved in the ER/IEP process and receiving notifications regarding evaluation and/or placement of the student.