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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. top
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.
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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. top
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.
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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. top
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. top
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