Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) involves providing alternative means of solving problems that arise between families and schools. The ADR program involves everything from training educators in effective communication and negotiation skills to referring parents and LEAs to an Independent Child Advocate employed by Social Advocates for Youth (SAY). We have had a very strong success rate of preventing conflicts from going to due process hearings at the state level. The intent of this program is to maintain positive relationships between the student's family and the school as well as to save time and money for both parties. More information about ADR is available in our program brochures (see Related Documents).

Special Education Compliance Assistance provides conflict resolution related to special education compliance and placement issues for LEAs and other agencies:

• Problem-solving student-specific disputes between parents and districts, including suggestions and options to avoid state mediations, due process hearings, and/or compliance complaints (see ADR above).
• Technical assistance in state mediations, due process hearings, and compliance complaints.

For more information, call (707) 524-2785.