Code Section

56408.  

(a) As a condition of receipt of funds, each Family Empowerment Center on Disability that receives assistance under this chapter and serves the parents and families of children and young adults 3 to 18 years of age, inclusive, and young adults 19 to 22 years of age, inclusive, who had an individualized education program before their 18th birthday shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide training and information that meets the training and information needs of parents and families of children and young adults with disabilities living in the area served by the center, particularly those families and individuals who have been underserved.

(2) Work with community-based organizations, including community advisory committees established pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 56190) of Chapter 2, parent advisory committees of one or more local educational agencies in their service region established pursuant to Sections 52063 and 52069, and state and local agencies serving children with disabilities.

(3) Train and support parents and families of children and young adults with disabilities to do all of the following:

(A) Better understand the nature of their children’s disabilities and their children’s educational and developmental needs, including the benefits of inclusion in a least restrictive educational environment.

(B) Participate in activities to address disparities in opportunities and improve outcomes for children and young adults with disabilities.

(C) Advocate for the child’s needs in a manner that promotes alternative forms of dispute resolution and positive relationships between parents and professionals.

(4) Support parents with how to access language access support, including interpretation and translation of written materials, that is additional to language access support required to be provided by local educational agencies.

(5) Support parents in navigating referrals for services, such as support for pupil and family needs, respite services, physical and mental health services, and other necessary services depending on family circumstances.

(6) Assist parents in accessing support through other programs, such as the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program and programs administered by the State Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Rehabilitation.

(7) Support parents in communicating effectively with personnel responsible for providing special education, early intervention, and related services.

(8) Serve as a resource to parents and families in decisionmaking processes and the development of individualized education programs.

(9) Provide parents appropriate information regarding the range of options, programs, services, and resources available to assist children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

(10) Subject to the availability of resources and upon parental request, attend individualized education program development meetings that include parents and personnel responsible for assessing pupil eligibility for special education and early intervention services.

(11) Submit data annually, in accordance with the data template established by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 56411, no later than a date selected by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall select this date by June 30, 2022.

(b) (1) Following the initial awarding of a grant to a Family Empowerment Center on Disability, the department shall assess the center’s eligibility for continued funding, at a minimum, as follows:

(A) For a Family Empowerment Center on Disability established during or after the 2020–21 fiscal year, the department shall assess the center’s eligibility every five years after the center is established.

(B) For a Family Empowerment Center on Disability established before the 2020–21 fiscal year, the department shall assess the center’s eligibility during the 2023–24 fiscal year and every five years thereafter.

(2) Assessments conducted pursuant to this subdivision shall be based on a Family Empowerment Center on Disability’s demonstrated ability to meet the requirements of subdivision (a).