Due Process Hearing

You have a right to request a due process hearing to resolve differences regarding your child's identification, evaluation, eligibility, Early Steps services or placement of your child. In a due process hearing, participants will present information about their side of the disagreement. An impartial hearing officer makes a decision based on the information and other information from the law. During the hearing proceedings, your child must continue receiving any Early Steps services which are currently being provided. A written decision will be issued within 30 calendar days. You have a right to file a civil action in a state or federal court if you are not satisfied with the outcome of the hearing.

You have the right:

to be represented by an attorney.
to have the hearing scheduled at a convenient time and place.
to give evidence, ask questions and have witnesses present.
to receive a written or an electronic record of the hearing at your own expense.

A sample due process request is below:

(Date)

Part C Coordinator
Department of Health
Children's Medical Services
Early Steps State Office
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN# A06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1707

Dear Part C Coordinator:

I would like to request an impartial due process hearing for my child, (child's name), regarding Early Steps services. The issue(s) I am requesting to be addressed at the hearing are:

disagreement about a proposal or refusal to initiate Early Steps services
disagreement about a change in Early Steps services
the identification, evaluation, or placement of my child
the provision of appropriate Early Steps services.

I may be reached at (list contact information) between (list best hours to be reached).

Sincerely,
(Insert Name)
(Street Address)
(City, State, Zip Code)
(County)
(Phone Number)


This page was last modified on: 08/30/2012 10:29:04 Home \| News & Events \| Resources \| FAQs \| Contact Info