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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services - Minnesota Department of Education

Primary services provided are mediation and neutral facilitation of education planning meetings - the IEP, IFSP or multi-agency plans. Neither the mediator nor the facilitator are counselors, advisers, judges or decision makers. Their role is to assist the parties in communication and problem solving, to help parties mend relationships and to keep the team focused on the process and to agree on an education plan for students with special needs. - A facilitated team meeting is a process using an impartial facilitator to assist members in communicating effectively and resolving conflicts so the team can develop an acceptable IEP, IFSP or multi-agency plan. Information and referral services about other forms of dispute resolution will be provided if the situation is not appropriate for either process. - Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process for parents, school districts, and agencies working with school districts. Through the intervention of a neutral person, the parties are assisted in resolving their disputes.

Last assured

04/19/2024

Physical Address

400 NE Stinson Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Hours

8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday

Voice

(651)582-8689

Intake Dispute Resolution Team

Fax

(651)582-8498

Voice

(800)627-3529

Application process

Call or visit website for information. Parties complete a Request for Mediation or a Request for a Facilitated Team Meeting which can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education website.

Required documents

Request for Mediation form; or Request for Facilitated Team Meeting form. Both can be found online.

Eligibility

- Students from birth to age 21 with special needs - Parents, guardians, students, any public school or agency collaborating with the public school can be a party in mediation - Services are available throughout Minnesota.

Service area

MN

Agency info

Minnesota Department of Education

Administers the state educational system

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