Family Support & Dispute Resolution Branch

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 IDEA are available and conducted in accordance with all requirements. DEI/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

Dispute Resolution Resources

• IDEA Dispute Resolution Processes Comparison Chart
  
  

• Listing of Free or Low Cost Assistance for Special Education Disputes
  
  

• Request for Mediation and Due Process Complaint Form 

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• Special Education State Complaint Resolution Procedures 
  

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• State Complaint Form - Part B 
  

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• State Complaint Form - Part C 
  
  

• A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education State Complaints 
  
  

• A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Mediation 
  

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Contact:

Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services
Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 767-7770
Fax: (410) 333-0664

alison.barmat@maryland.gov

gerald.loiacono1@maryland.gov