How is a surrogate parent assigned to a child?
For a child in special education, the child’s school district of residence is responsible for the assignment of a surrogate parent. (School district of residence means the school district in which the child’s parents reside, a community school if the child is enrolled in a community school, the last school district in which the child’s parents are known to have resided if the parents’ whereabouts are unknown, or a school district of residence as determined by a court.) The school must have a method for determining whether a child needs a surrogate and for assigning surrogates. If a child needs a surrogate parent one must be assigned as soon as possible and within thirty days of determining the need. For children in Early Intervention, the Ohio Department of Health is responsible for ensuring that a surrogate is assigned. For children who are wards of the state, the judge overseeing the child’s case can also appoint the surrogate.
