56408.
(a) As a condition of receipt of funds, each Family Empowerment Center on Disability that receives assistance under this chapter and serves the parents and guardians families of children and young adults from age three years 3 to age 18 years, years of age, inclusive, and those young adults from age 19 years to age 22 years, years of age, inclusive, who had an individualized education plan prior to program before their 18th birthday shall do all of the following:(a)
(1) Provide training and information that meets the training and information needs of parents and guardians families of children and young adults with disabilities living in the area served by the center, particularly those families and individuals who have been underserved . underserved.
(b)
(2) Work with community-based organizations organizations, including community advisory committees established pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 56190) of Chapter 2, and state and local agencies serving children with disabilities.
(c)
(3) Train and support parents and guardians families of children and young adults with disabilities to do the following:
(1)
(A) Better understand the nature of their children’s disabilities and their children’s educational and developmental needs. needs, including the benefits of inclusion in a least restrictive educational environment.
(2)
(B) Communicate effectively with personnel responsible for providing special education, early intervention, and related services.
(3)Participate
(C) Serve as a resource to parents and families in decisionmaking processes and the development of
individualized education programs.
(4)
(D) Obtain appropriate information regarding the range of options, programs, services, and resources available to assist children and young adults with disabilities and their families.
(5)
(E) Participate in school improvement and reform activities.
(6)
(F) Advocate for the child’s needs in a manner that promotes alternative forms of dispute resolution and positive relationships between parents and professionals . professionals.
(4) Subject to the availability of resources and upon parental request, attend individualized education program development meetings that include parents and personnel responsible for assessing pupil eligibility for special education and early intervention services.
(5) Submit data annually, in accordance with the data template established by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 56411, no later than a date selected by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall select this date by June
30, 2024.
(b) (1) Following the initial awarding of a grant to a Family Empowerment Center on Disability, the department shall assess the center’s eligibility for continued funding, at a minimum, as follows:
(A) For a Family Empowerment Center on Disability established during or after the 2022–23 fiscal year, the department shall assess the center’s eligibility every five years after the center is established.
(B) For a Family Empowerment Center on Disability established before
the 2022–23 fiscal year, the department shall assess the center’s eligibility during the 2024–25 fiscal year and every five years thereafter.
(2) Assessments conducted pursuant to this subdivision shall be based on a Family Empowerment Center on Disability’s demonstrated ability to meet the requirements of subdivision (a).