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 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
State Complaint Letters of Finding
Due Process Hearing Decisions and End-of-Year Hearing and Mediation Outcome Reports by Public Agency
Contact:
Alison Barmat
Chief, Family Support & Dispute Resolution Branch
alison.barmat@maryland.gov
Vacant
Section Chief, Complaint Investigation Section
Kenneth Hudock
Section Chief, Family Support Services Section
kenneth.hudock@maryland.gov
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 767-7770
Fax: (410) 333-066