As the parent of a child who may be eligible to receive Family Education and Support services from CDC, you have a number of rights that you should be made aware of in order to get the best possible services for your child. These rights are known as procedural safeguards. For a complete copy of the procedural safeguards contact Child Development Center.
Confidentiality
All child and family information is kept confidential. It cannot be shared with another person unless written permission is given.
Consent – Before allowing CDC to gather information, the family must give written consent to demonstrate that they understand what CDC services and assessments entail. Consent is voluntary, time-limited, and may be revoked at any time. The family may also choose not to consent to some activities without jeopardizing other services.
Family Involvement - The family is expected to participate as a team member in all instances where a decision will be made regarding their child (e.g., evaluation options, development and implementation of the IFSP). Parents/guardians are the experts on their child.
Native Language - It is the family’s right to thoroughly understand all activities and written records about their child. If they prefer another language or way of communicating, such as braille, sign language, etc., we will use their preferred mode of communication or get an interpreter if at all possible.
Prior Notice – The family will receive a written notice when the agency proposes or refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation or service placement of their child. The content of this notice must include the activity being proposed or refused, the reasons for the activity, and all appropriate procedural safeguards. This notice must be in the family’s native language (the language or mode of communication normally used). When a written notice is not appropriate or possible, the notice will be translated to the family orally or through another mode of communication.
Records – The family has the right to review copies of any records maintained by Child Development Center. The family may request that any records be explained and interpreted for them and they may request that records be changed if there is belief that the information is not accurate.
Resolving Differences – In the event of family dissatisfaction, it is encouraged that the issue be settled with the individual involved. It is best for all parties if the problem can be solved between the family and the staff member. However, if the grievance cannot be resolved, the staff member’s direct supervisor or CDC’s Executive Director may be contacted. If the grievance cannot be resolved at that level, then the grievance should be submitted in writing to CDC’s Executive Director. The Executive Director is to respond in writing within ten (10) working days. If the grievance is still unresolved, then written request for review of the grievance should be submitted to the Chairperson of CDC’s Board of Directors. The Chairperson shall place the grievance on the agenda of the next scheduled Board meeting. The Board of Directors will respond within five days after Board review. If there is still disagreement, families have the right to request mediation or file a complaint to the Department of Public Health and Human Services Director. An impartial person will then be appointed to implement the procedures for complaint resolution. Proceedings must be carried out at a time and place reasonably convenient for the family and in a timely manner. The family has the right to appeal the decision or bring civil action. The child must continue to receive appropriate services, unless the family chooses otherwise.