Glenn County SELPA Alternatives to Dispute (ADR)
It is the commitment of the Glenn County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) to address concerns and disagreements between parents/guardians and the Local Educational Agency (LEA) as early as possible. We believe that promoting understanding, open communication, and mutually agreeable solutions is essential to strengthening the relationships that support our students. Disagreements may occasionally arise regarding the content or implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), assessment timelines, or the appropriateness of specific special education services. In alignment with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we strive to keep the IEP process non-adversarial and are dedicated to supporting both families and staff in reaching agreements that allow us to move forward together.
Process for Resolving Concerns
Generally, concerns should be addressed through the following levels:
- School Site Staff: Start here to resolve issues at the source.
- District Level: If unresolved, school staff will involve the district’s special education administrator to review the case and work collaboratively with all parties.
- SELPA Level or Constituent Support Services Office to speak to a trained staff person for further support, regional guidance, facilitated IEPs and alternative dispute resolution.
- State Level: As a final point to seek resolution.
There are several established pathways for investigating and resolving special education matters, including:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): A collaborative, local approach to finding solutions.
- Constituent Support Services Office: Trained staff who can answer questions & provide support.
- California Department of Education (CDE) Complaint Procedures: For addressing specific regulatory concerns.
- Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH): For formal due process procedures.
- Office for Civil Rights (OCR): For addressing matters related to discrimination or civil rights.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an informal method of settling disagreements. ADR uses specific techniques to promote understanding, open communication, and arrive at satisfying solutions to conflict that support and strengthen relationships. ADR is designed to meet the interests of all parties involved which results in a crafted, mutually agreeable outcome, rather than having a decision made by a third party such as a hearing officer or judge.
The Glenn County SELPA is committed to helping families and schools solve problems and conflicts in the fastest and easiest way, reducing stress, delays in services or even legal costs for both parents and schools. ADR provides an opportunity for individuals to resolve disagreements in a supported and efficient way. ADR is voluntary. All involved must be willing participants who are prepared and open to finding common ground in the effort to move through the conflict.
Participation in an ADR session is voluntary and confidential. With the exception of trainings, all ADR services are confidential unless all participants in the ADR meeting agree otherwise. The mediator or facilitator will disclose neither the names of the participants nor content of an ADR session to any outside source unless otherwise agreed.
Generally, when disagreements are not resolved at a local level, the SELPA Director or SELPA Program Specialist assists schools and families in working through disagreements related to the IEP process. All of the Glenn County SELPA administrators are trained through Pathways to Partnership in Alternate Dispute Resolution through attendance at trainings and conferences. Occasionally, another ADR specialist will be contracted with to support the process. ADR services can include: Trainings; Resolution Sessions; Pre-filing Meetings; Facilitated IEP Meetings; and Coaching. If you are interested in receiving support from a SELPA Program Specialist with any of these services, please complete the following: Request for ADR
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an informal method of settling disagreements. ADR uses specific techniques to promote understanding, open communication, and arrive at satisfying solutions to conflict that support and strengthen relationships. ADR is designed to meet the interests of all parties involved which results in a crafted, mutually agreeable outcome, rather than having a decision made by a third party such as a hearing officer or judge.
The Glenn County SELPA is committed to helping families and schools solve problems and conflicts in the fastest and easiest way, reducing stress, delays in services or even legal costs for both parents and schools. ADR provides an opportunity for individuals to resolve disagreements in a supported and efficient way. ADR is voluntary. All involved must be willing participants who are prepared and open to finding common ground in the effort to move through the conflict.
Participation in an ADR session is voluntary and confidential. With the exception of trainings, all ADR services are confidential unless all participants in the ADR meeting agree otherwise. The mediator or facilitator will disclose neither the names of the participants nor content of an ADR session to any outside source unless otherwise agreed.
Generally, when disagreements are not resolved at a local level, the SELPA Director or SELPA Program Specialist assists schools and families in working through disagreements related to the IEP process. All of the Glenn County SELPA administrators are trained through Pathways to Partnership in Alternate Dispute Resolution through attendance at trainings and conferences. Occasionally, another ADR specialist will be contracted with to support the process. ADR services can include: Trainings; Resolution Sessions; Pre-filing Meetings; Facilitated IEP Meetings; and Coaching. If you are interested in receiving support from a SELPA Program Specialist with any of these services, please complete the following: Request for ADR
Independent Child Advocates
The Glenn County SELPA has for many years held a contract with Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California, Inc., whose advocates help field parent concerns when parents are reluctant to work with district staff for whatever reason. Acting as a liaison, they work collaboratively with the family and the district, and many times SELPA staff, to bring about meetings or resolutions without a need for other complaint processes. Rowell Family Empowerment services are funded through grant funds from the SELPA Alternate Dispute Resolution grant.
Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center is a parent-founded, parent-operated nonprofit organization that provides training, support groups, resources, referrals, and parent-to-parent mentoring with issues related to navigating the world of special education. Similarly to Rowell Family Empowerment, Matrix Parent Network operates under grant funding and the services they provide for parents of students with disabilities in the Glenn County area free of charge.
Another agency that parents often seek out to provide advocacy is Promotores of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service. Part of the mission of Promotores is to advocate for the poor and vulnerable, and to contribute to freedom and independence. They provide Court-Appointed Special Advocates (or CASAs) for students coming through the foster system without stable advocates of their own.
Finally, Far Northern Regional Center (FNRC) is another resource for some families. Individuals who receive services from Far Northern Regional Center may request assistance from a FNRC Client Rights Advocate retained by regional center from Disability Rights of California.