DISPUTE PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION:

Ventura County SELPA is committed to supporting families and districts
as they work towards early resolution options. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
provides a neutral environment and a variety of choices. It utilizes consultation,
collaboration, and communication to resolve disagreements, preserve relationships,
and maintain focus on the needs of our students. ADR allows the decision-making
process to stay in the hands of the family and district.

Ventura County SELPA ADR Brochure

ADR Procedural Handbook

Folleto de resolución alternativa de disputas

ADR Procedural Handbook_Spanish

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?
ADR is an informal method of settling disagreements, guided by a trained facilitator who utilizes specific techniques to promote open communication and understanding, supporting the IEP team in creating a collaborative and satisfying solution that meets the interests of all parties involved.

Who Should Choose Alternative Dispute Resolution?
The design of ADR is for families and districts to work together, creating solutions for a mutually agreeable outcome that supports and strengthens the relationship. In ADR, a family does not have to hire an advocate or attorney to have a voice in resolving disagreements.

Why Choose Alternative Dispute Resolution?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) intended the IEP process to be non-adversarial. ADR keeps the decision-making in the hands of the family and the district and supports the team in moving forward, maintaining the focus on the needs of the child. Special education/IEP agreements are more effective when families and schools develop their solutions rather than abide by an agreement imposed by a third party.

Request for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

“In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity” – Albert Einstein

“En medio de la dificultad se encuentra la oportunidad” – Albert Einstein

Services Evaluation Form - Please Complete after each ADR service

In English

En español

IF UNABLE TO COME TO CONSENSUS

DUE PROCESS:

On ocassion, the parents and the school district may not be able to come to agreement as to what is best for the child. Special education law provides specific steps for resolving those conflicts. It is always a good idea to try to resolve things at the lowest level possible. If you haven't spoken to the Special Education Director in your district, you are encouraged to give them a call to express your concerns (phone list). If you continue to disagree, you may file for Due Process. Due Process is a system for increasing levels of intervention in resolving the conflict. Please visit the Office of Administrative Hearings website to download the Mediation or Due Process form. Also available from the Office of Administrative Hearings is a Free/Reduced Cost Special Education Attorney Advocate List.

COMPLAINTS:

If a parent feels his or her rights or the rights of their child have been violated by the district or an employee of the district, the parent has a right to file a complaint. A complaint may be filed with the District Complaint Resolution Office. If not resolved, or if the parent chooses not to file the complaint with the district, a complaint can be filed directly with the California Department of Education using this form.

Complaint Process Brochure
Request for Complaint Investigation
Helpful Hints When Requesting Direct State Intervention