ADR

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Offering students and families an opportunity to resolve disputes collaboratively, while avoiding time-consuming and costly litigation

The goal is to establish mutually agreeable solutions resulting in written agreements.

ADR does not have costs tied to its process and are free of cost to families and local education agencies.

Parties choosing to engage in any Alternative Dispute Resolution practices do not give up their rights to due process.

All information shared through the ADR process remains confidential unless all parties agree otherwise.

Prior to ADR, you might want to contact the following people who can help you:

These key individuals can:

If these individuals are unable to resolve your concerns, please contact an ADR Lead who can:

Facilitate a meeting with a neutral
facilitator
Listen to your concerns, help you
identify solutions and assist through the
ADR process
Coordinate and monitor ADR activities
Provides parents and professionals with
options to address unresolved issues

A concern, issue, or complaint is brought to the attention of the DUSD Special Education Department

ADR lead contacts family to schedule meeting

A neutral facilitator, staff and family may participate in an ADR conference

During an ADR conference, the parties work together to develop a mutually agreed upon resolution

When an agreement is met, a formal resolution is developed in writing

If an agreement is reached that involves additional resources it will need to be approved by the DUSD Board of Education

If approved by the Board of Education, the Special Education Department will implement the agreement

ADR lead provides follow-up communication and implement support with office staff and school site team members

Typically, ADR collaborative conferences occur within 10 days of contacting an ADR Lead.
The ADR Process can be binding and may require the approval from the Board of Education.
All resolutions are mutually agreed upon by both parties.

Typically, formal complaints filed with the California Department of Education (CDE) take 60+ days to resolve, and the resolutions are determined by the CDE.
Due process filings can be costly for both
parties, and resolutions may take months
or even years.
The ADR process can expedite resolutions to a family’s concerns

Downey Unified School District
Special Education Department
Attn: ADR Lead
11627 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 469-6500

Montebello Unified School District
Special Education Department
Attn: ADR Lead
123 S. Montebello Blvd.
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 887-7900