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HomeEducation CodeCh. 2Art. 5§ 56156 Special Education Referral Reporting

§ 56156 Special Education Referral Reporting

Education Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 56156 Special Education Referral Reporting

Key Takeaways

  • •If a kid might need special education, the court or agency sending them to a group home must tell the local special education office.
  • •When a kid is placed in a group home, the court must say if the parents can still make school decisions for them.
  • •The group home must tell the local special education office if any kid living there might need special education.
  • •The state gives a list of group homes to schools twice a year so they know where kids might need help.

Example

A kid named Jamie is sent to a group home because their parents can't take care of them. Jamie has trouble reading and might need extra help in school.

The court that sent Jamie to the group home must tell the local special education office that Jamie might need special education. They also have to say if Jamie's parents can still decide on Jamie's school stuff. The group home must also tell the special education office about Jamie so they can check if Jamie needs help.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 56156 Special Education Referral Reporting

(a) Each court, regional center for the developmentally disabled, or public agency that engages in referring children to, or placing children in, licensed children’s institutions shall report to the special education administrator of the special education local plan area in which the licensed children’s institution is located any referral or admission of a child who is potentially eligible for special education. (b) At the time of placement in a licensed children’s institution or foster family home, each court, regional center for the developmentally disabled, or public agency shall identify all of the following: (1) Whether the courts have specifically limited the rights of the parent or guardian to make educational decisions for a child who is a ward or dependent of the court. (2) The location of the parents, in the event that the parents retain the right to make educational decisions. (3) Whether the location of the parents is unknown. (c) Each person licensed by the state to operate a licensed children’s institution, or his or her designee, shall notify the special education administrator of the special education local plan area in which the licensed children’s institution is located of any child potentially eligible for special education who resides at the facility. (d) The Superintendent shall provide each county office of education with a current list of licensed children’s institutions in that county at least biannually. The county office shall maintain the most current list of licensed children’s institutions located within the county and shall notify each district and special education local plan area within the county of the names of licensed children’s institutions located in the geographical area of the county covered by the district and special education local plan area. The county office shall notify the director of each licensed children’s institution of the appropriate person to contact regarding individuals with exceptional needs. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 56, Sec. 22. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

educationinstitutionlicensedirectorportschoollocationthe superintendent

Related Statutes

  • § 56155 Exceptional Needs Placement Rules
  • § 56156.4 Special Education In Foster Care
  • § 69614 Teacher Loan Assumption Program
  • § 10200 County Calworks Training Plan
  • § 1240 County School Superintendent Duties

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Education Code. Section 56156.
View Official Source