The Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch fosters family engagement and positive family/system partnerships through the provision of technical assistance and support to a statewide network of family support specialists serving families of children with disabilities.

The Branch facilitates informal dispute resolution by responding to parent inquiries, assisting parents with navigating Maryland’s early intervention and special education systems, and connecting parents with community resources and local personnel who can assist with concerns.

Additionally, the Branch ensures the dispute resolution processes under the IDEA are available and conducted in accordance with all requirements. Staff investigate and resolve formal State complaints that allege violations of State and federal IDEA requirements regarding the special education of students with disabilities and maintains data and reports on the dispute resolution processes, including complaint investigations, mediations, and due process hearings.