HB 501 -- Ombudsman Services for Children with Disabilities

Sponsor:  Scharnhorst

This bill requires the Division of Special Education within the
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a
program to provide ombudsman services to children and families
regarding special education programs and services, with the
Governor to appoint a head ombudsman to serve as director of the
program.  The program will provide information to families and
educators about special education laws and services, act as a
liaison between parents and schools, and help explore options to
resolve conflicts.  A representative of the program must be
present at all individualized education plan meetings for special
needs children, and the head ombudsman has the final authority to
resolve disagreements in those meetings.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:25 am