Maine Department of Education - Educational Surrogate Parent Program

The primary goal of the Surrogate Parent Program is to ensure that all children/students with disabilities receive equal educational opportunities, from birth through age 20. The program serves infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities who are in the custody of the State or whose biological or adoptive parents, or guardians cannot be identified or located. Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and/or school age children/students with disabilities, who are in DHHS custody and/or homeless, are appointed a surrogate parent within 30 days.

 Surrogate parents have the rights of the biological or adoptive parents for educational matters, including permission for evaluation and placement, release of information, and educational meetings and hearings. 

The Educational Surrogate Parent program is a part of the Maine Department of Education.