Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
PAUSD is committed to meeting the educational needs of every child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, we recognize that sometimes disagreements may occur. When a disagreement arises that cannot be resolved at the school level, both the District and the parent/guardian have the option to request Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR offers a collaborative, less formal way to address concerns and find mutually agreeable solutions, ensuring that the focus remains on the best interests of the child.
Families and school districts have access to several Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options to address disagreements related to special education services. These processes are designed to resolve conflicts in a constructive, efficient manner, while maintaining positive relationships between families and the school district. Below are the ADR options available:
- The SELPA Telephone Intermediary (Help Line)
- ADR Help Line serves as a valuable resource for parents of students with disabilities and IEP team members. It provides information and clarification on special education processes, Procedural Safeguards, and available options for addressing concerns and resolving disagreements. The Help Line can also connect you with appropriate agencies for additional support and resources, as well as guide you through formal complaint processes if necessary.
- ADR Help Line serves as a valuable resource for parents of students with disabilities and IEP team members. It provides information and clarification on special education processes, Procedural Safeguards, and available options for addressing concerns and resolving disagreements. The Help Line can also connect you with appropriate agencies for additional support and resources, as well as guide you through formal complaint processes if necessary.
- SELPA Case Management Support
- SELPA case management support is available to assist in resolving disagreements through collaborative problem-solving meetings. These meetings bring together parents, special education and general education staff, administrators, and IEP team members to work towards a solution that meets the needs of the student. The goal is to foster open communication and find mutually agreeable resolutions in a supportive and constructive environment.
- SELPA case management support is available to assist in resolving disagreements through collaborative problem-solving meetings. These meetings bring together parents, special education and general education staff, administrators, and IEP team members to work towards a solution that meets the needs of the student. The goal is to foster open communication and find mutually agreeable resolutions in a supportive and constructive environment.
- Facilitated IEP Meetings
- A Facilitated IEP meeting involves a neutral facilitator who helps guide the discussion during an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. The facilitator ensures that all parties are heard and that the meeting remains focused on developing solutions that benefit the student. This process fosters collaboration and helps prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.
- A Facilitated IEP meeting involves a neutral facilitator who helps guide the discussion during an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. The facilitator ensures that all parties are heard and that the meeting remains focused on developing solutions that benefit the student. This process fosters collaboration and helps prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.
- Mediation Only (State-Level Voluntary Dispute Resolution)
- Mediation Only is a voluntary, confidential dispute resolution process offered at the state level through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). In this process, a neutral mediator—who is not associated with either the district or the family—facilitates discussions between both parties. The mediator's role is to help the parties communicate openly, identify areas of agreement, and work together toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Importantly, the mediator does not make decisions or take sides; their goal is to assist both parties in finding a fair and agreeable solution without resorting to a more formal hearing. Mediation offers a less adversarial and more collaborative way to resolve disputes, allowing both the family and the district to maintain control over the outcome.
- Mediation Only is a voluntary, confidential dispute resolution process offered at the state level through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). In this process, a neutral mediator—who is not associated with either the district or the family—facilitates discussions between both parties. The mediator's role is to help the parties communicate openly, identify areas of agreement, and work together toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Importantly, the mediator does not make decisions or take sides; their goal is to assist both parties in finding a fair and agreeable solution without resorting to a more formal hearing. Mediation offers a less adversarial and more collaborative way to resolve disputes, allowing both the family and the district to maintain control over the outcome.
- Formal Due Process (Office of Administrative Hearings - OAH)
- If disagreements cannot be resolved through facilitated IEP meetings or mediation, parents and districts may proceed to a Due Process Hearing through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). This formal legal process involves presenting evidence and arguments to an administrative law judge, who makes a binding decision on the dispute.
- If disagreements cannot be resolved through facilitated IEP meetings or mediation, parents and districts may proceed to a Due Process Hearing through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). This formal legal process involves presenting evidence and arguments to an administrative law judge, who makes a binding decision on the dispute.
- Filing a Complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE)
- Families also have the option to file a State Complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE) if they believe the district has violated special education laws. The CDE investigates these complaints and issues findings to resolve the matter.
Each of these options is designed to ensure that disagreements are addressed in a fair and timely manner, with the goal of supporting students in receiving the services they need. For more information on these options or to seek guidance, please contact our Special Education Department or complete the SELPA ADR Services Referral Form.