The Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch (FSDR) fosters family engagement and positive family/system partnerships through the provision of technical assistance and support to a statewide network of family support specialists serving families of children with disabilities. The Branch facilitates informal dispute resolution by responding to parent inquiries, assisting parents with navigating Maryland’s early intervention and special education systems, and connecting parents with community resources and local personnel who can assist with concerns. Additionally, the Branch ensures the dispute resolution processes under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are available and conducted in accordance with all requirements. The Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services (DEI and SES) staff investigate and resolve formal complaints that allege violations of State and federal IDEA requirements regarding the special education of students with disabilities and maintain data and reports on the dispute resolution processes, including complaint investigations, mediations, and due process hearings.
Family Support Services Birth-21
Fiscal Year 2024
Fiscal Year 2023
Fiscal Year 2022
Fiscal Year 2021
Fiscal Year 2020
Fiscal Year 2019
Fiscal Year 2018
Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings
Community Mediation Maryland
CADRE (Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education)
Contact:
Alison BarmatChief, Family Support & Dispute Resolution Branchalison.barmat@maryland.gov
VacantSection Chief, Complaint Investigation Section
Kenneth HudockSection Chief, Family Support Services Sectionkenneth.hudock@maryland.gov
Maryland State Department of EducationDivision of Early Intervention and Special Education Services200 West Baltimore StreetBaltimore, MD 21201Phone: (410) 767-7770Fax: (410) 333-066