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 of children and young adults from age three years to age 18 years, inclusive, and those young adults from age 19 years to age 22 years, who had an individualized education plan prior to their 18th birthday shall do all of the following:

(a) Provide training and information that meets the training and information needs of parents and guardians of children and young adults with disabilities living in the area served by the center, particularly those families and individuals who have been underserved .

(b) Work with community-based organizations and state and local agencies serving children with disabilities.

(c) Train and support parents and guardians of children and young adults with disabilities to do the following:

(1) Better understand the nature of their children’s disabilities and their children’s educational and developmental needs.

(2) Communicate effectively with personnel responsible for providing special education, early intervention, and related services.

(3) Participate in decisionmaking processes and the development of individualized education programs.

(4) 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) Participate in school improvement and reform activities.

(6) Advocate for the child’s needs in a manner that promotes alternative forms of dispute resolution and positive relationships between parents and professionals .

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 690, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)