Education

Assessment 
The process of testing your child to determine his/her disability and what kind of educational services he/she needs as a result of the disability.

COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations)
COMAR is the official compilation of all administrative regulations issued by agencies of the state of Maryland. 

DORS (Department of Rehabilitative Services)
A department of the Maryland State Department of Education that promotes the employment, economic self-sufficiency and independence of individuals with disabilities. A representative of DORS should be part of the child's transition planning team as a child and family anticipate the child graduating from high school to the world of work. DORS can provide access to vocational training and supported employment after a child leaves school.

Due Process Hearing
A formal way to resolve a dispute between you and your child's school system about your child's special educational program. In Maryland the hearing is run by an administrative law judge through the state Office of Administrative Hearings. You can submit a request for a hearing by submitting a written request to your child's school system. The Office of Administrative Hearings must hold the hearing and issue a decision within 45 calendar days.

ED (Emotional Disturbance) 
An educational category for children with emotional or behavioral disabilities. The term refers means a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree, which adversely affects educational performance:

1. An inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory or health factors;
2. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;
3. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances;
4. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems. 

ESY (Extended School Year Services) 
Educational services provided beyond the regular school year for children who may regress or need continued services to maintain skills during the summer or during times when school is not in session. 

FBA (Functional Behavioral Assessment)
A problem-solving process for addressing disruptive or problem behavior. The process looks beyond the behavior itself and tries to identify specific social, emotional, environmental or cognitive factors that cause the behavior and interventions to directly address the behavior. After the FBA, a behavior management plan is developed address the specific behaviors. 

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) 
The federal law that guarantees all children with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education. To learn more about the law and regulations click on http://www.ideapractices.org/idealaw.htm

IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation) 
Testing conducted by qualified personnel not employed by the school system responsible for your child's education. Families have a right to request an IEE at public expense if you disagree with the evaluation conducted by the school system. On request the school system will provide information about where to obtain an independent evaluation and the agency criteria. The school system is not required to pay for an IEE if they believe that the evaluation they conducted is appropriate. The school system may initiate a due process hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate, or that the assessment you obtained did not meet agency criteria. If the administrative law judge agrees that the school system evaluation was appropriate, you will be required to pay the entire cost of the independent educational evaluation.

IEP (Individualized Education Program) 
An individualized plan that is developed for each child in special education. The IEP describes goals and the services that your child will receive in order to achieve the goals. This document is legally binding. Families have a right to participate in writing the IEP. Families do not have to sign the IEP at the IEP meeting but can take it home to think about it. If it is your child's first IEP and you do not sign it, the school system can request a due process hearing to ask an administrative law judge to order that the IEP be implemented. If it is not your child's first IEP and you do not sign it, the school system must give notice but can then implement the IEP anyway unless you request a due process hearing or mediation. It is important to remember that the IEP drives the placement. You can request an IEP meeting at any time and more than once per year. 

IEP Team 
The multidisciplinary team of people who make special education decisions about a child, including eligibility for special education, recommendations for testing to be done, development of the IEP, determination of placements and annual reviews. The parent is a member of the IEP team. Parents may bring an advocate with them to the IEP meeting as well as any other person, such as a therapist, who knows the child and can speak on his/her behalf. 

Inclusion or Mainstreaming
Special services your child needs are provided in the regular classroom to the maximum extent possible. 

Infants and Toddlers Program
A statewide program that requires services for children from birth through 3 years of age including an individualized family plan (IFSP) and case management. This program is mandated by federal law PL99-457. In Maryland, the Infants and Toddlers Program operates under the Maryland State Department of Education. Local jurisdictions may operate the Infants and Toddlers Program from the Department of Education or other agencies such as the Health Department. 

LCC (Local Coordinating Council) 
A committee in each local jurisdiction in Maryland designated to review cases for residential placement. If the LCC disapproves a residential placement the committee must develop alternatives to residential placement for children with special needs. These agencies that comprise the LCC include: the local Department of Education, Department of Social Services, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Each jurisdiction determines whether the LCC will meet weekly or monthly to review cases. The parent has the right to attend the LCC meeting when their child's case is being discussed and the parent may bring an advocate with them to the meeting. 

LMB (Local Management Board)
A committee in each county and Baltimore City responsible for planning and developing services for children in their jurisdiction. The LMB also receives money from the State and allocates the money to the needed services. 

IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
A plan that describes the services an infant or toddler with special needs less than 3 years of age and his/her family will receive. The plan is developed through the Infants and Toddlers Program in collaboration with the family. 

LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) 
The right to be educated in an environment that is least restrictive. This means that a child can be in a regular school and classroom with non-disabled peers. Supports and services must be provided to ensure that the goals of the IEP can be achieved. This also means that the child should be able to attend his/her neighborhood school unless the IEP requires another arrangement. Services should be provided in separate classes or schools only when the nature or severity of the disability prevents achievement of a satisfactory education program in a regular classroom.

Mediation
The process of having an impartial trained person, called a mediator, help you and the school system reach an agreement about your child's special education program and services. Either you or the school system can request mediation. It is voluntary and both parties must agree to it. If you and the school system both agree to mediation, a mediation conference must be conducted within 20 days of your request. 

MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) 
The state agency responsible for monitoring local departments of education and ensuring that local departments comply with federal and state laws.

Out-of-State Placement
Placement of a child with special needs in a residential facility outside of the State of Maryland for which state funding is requested. This includes: hospitals, residential treatment centers (RTCs) group homes, alternative living units, wilderness programs and other out-of-home settings. Approval for residential placement is through the Local Coordinating Council in each local jurisdiction.

Records
Files maintained by the local education agency containing information about your child including: academic performance, behavior, screening and assessment results, program needs and other related services. You have a right to examine your child's records and the information contained in them. 

Related Services
Those services that must be provided to your child so that he/she can benefit from special education instruction. These services may include transportation, speech pathology, counseling, physical therapy, psychological services, recreation, medical services and more. 

SCC (State Coordinating Council) 
The State interagency committee that oversees the operation of the Local Coordinating Councils (LCCs) and monitors the provision of residential placement services to children with special needs. 

Screening
The initial process of reviewing your child's situation to see if he/she may be disabled and in need of special education services. You, a teacher or health professional may refer your child for screening. The request for screening should be in writing and submitted to the principal of your child's school. If the screening shows "deficits" or delays, the child will be referred for an assessment.

Section 504
A federal law that requires "reasonable accommodation" of a disability. Section 504 can be used to address special education issues that may not be covered by the Special Education Law IDEA. For example, accessibility of your child's school building or the length of your child's school day.

Transition Services
Transition services are those services provided by the local education agency or other agencies such as Department of Rehabilative Services (DORS) to prepare and support the child as they move from education into the world of work and independent living. Beginning at age 16 the IEP for each student with a disability must include a statement of needed transition services for the child including instruction, related services, employment and other post-school adult living objectives and daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation. 

Mental Health 
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Assessment
An assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the child conducted by a professional. The assessment should include a review of the child's physical and mental health status, intelligence, school performance, peer relations, social skills and family situation. An assessment may include testing to evaluate some of these factors. 

DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition)
A manual of mental health disorders developed by the American Psychiatric Association used by professionals to understand and diagnose mental health problems. Often a DSM-IV diagnosis is required in order for a child to be eligible for mental health services. 

EPSDT (Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment)
Federal law requires the state to provide screening, diagnosis and "all medically necessary" treatment services, including mental health services, to all Medicaid recipients under 21 years of age. EPSDT is a way to obtain individualized wrap-around treatment and support services necessary for children to remain at home and in their community, or to return there after a hospitalization or other out-of-home placement.

Gray Zone Individuals
Individuals who by virtue of their income, family size, insurance and/or severity of need have all or part of their mental health care costs paid by the public mental health system based upon resources available in the Mental Hygiene annual budget.

ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision)
An international manual that classifies related diseases and procedures for the reporting of statistical information. Often an ICD-9 code or DSM-IV diagnosis is required in order for a child to be eligible for mental health services. 

Managed Care
A system that manages the utilization of health care services by requiring certain procedures such as: 

• Preauthorization for care
• Limits on health care services
• Contracting with selective providers

Maryland Children's Health Program 
A program in Maryland that provides health insurance coverage for children and pregnant woman based on family income. Applications are available at local Health Departments and other places like school health centers. For additional information contact 1.800.735.2258 

MEDICAID/Medical Assistance
Medicaid is also called medical assistance. It is a state and federal health insurance program for certain low-income and needy people. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by case managers at the local Department of Social Services. Most children and families on Medicaid are enrolled in HealthChoice, Maryland's managed care system for Medicaid. Contact the local Department of Social Services for additional information. 

Mental Health
Mental health relates to how we think, feel and act. It affects:

• How one feels about themselves, about their lives and about other people in their lives
• How one views and handles problems, stress and challenges
• How one relates to others
• How one makes decisions
• How one adapts to new or changing situations.

Mental Health Problems or Mental Health Disorders
Mental health problems are real and affect one's thoughts, feelings, behavior and physical well-being. Children, adolescents and even infants can experience mental health problems. They can be severe and interfere with one's life and ability to function. Mental health problems are called "disorders" and common disorders include: depression, anxiety, phobias, attention-deficit disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, attachment disorders, bi-polar disorders, schizophrenia and more. There are many different causes of mental health problems such as:

• Biological or physical factors such as a chemical imbalance
• Environmental factors such as extreme stress, violence or abuse
• Traumatic experiences such as death of a loved one.

Mental Health Provider
A licensed professional trained to provide mental health services. Providers may include:

• Psychiatrists - medical doctors who specialize in mental health treatment. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals that can prescribe medication.
• Psychologists - a mental health professional with a doctoral degree in psychology.
• Social Worker - a mental health professional with a Master's Degree in Social Work and is licensed by the State Board of Social Work Examiners. 

Maryland's Mental Health System of Care
The Mental Health System in Maryland consists of several local and state agencies responsible for different aspects of the system:

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH)
The agency in Maryland responsible for all public health and mental health services.

Alcohol and Drug Administration (ADAA)
The division of DHMH responsible for substance abuse evaluations and treatment 

Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA)
The division of DHMH responsible for planning, funding and monitoring mental health services throughout the state. The Mental Hygiene Administration receives state and federal dollars for mental health and allocates the funds to the local Core Service Agencies throughout the state. 

Maryland Health Partners (MHP)
The Mental Hygiene Administration contracts with Maryland Health Partners to administer the public mental health system in Maryland. MHP determines eligibility, refers individuals to appropriate providers and authorizes treatment. 

Core Service Agency (CSA)
Each jurisdiction is mandated by the state to designate or create a Core Service Agency that serves as the local mental health authority responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating mental health services. CSAs receive funds from the state and contract for needed services in the community. The Core Service Agency must have parent participation in planning and evaluating services for children.

Psychological Testing
A range of tests administered by a qualified professional as part of an assessment for a child. Different types of tests are used to evaluate different things. Types of tests include:

• Achievement Tests - designed to assess current performance in academic areas
• Aptitude Tests - generally used to predict future performance
• Intelligence Tests - measure the capacity of an individual to learn
• Interest Inventories - indicates personal preference among interests and is used in career guidance
• Objective Personality Tests - measure social and emotional adjustment 
• Projective Tests - responses to a series of words, questions or pictures interpreted by professionals.

RTC (Residential Treatment Centers)
A residential facility licensed by the state to provide intensive therapeutic care, supervision and education for children 24 hours a day/7 days a week. An RTC usually serves more than 12 children at a time. 

Respite Care
Services that provide temporary relief to the family or caregiver of a child with mental health needs. Respite care can be provided in-home or out of the home at a facility. Respite care services are intended to help the family care for the child at home and prevent the child from having to go to a residential program away from the family. Maryland has seven specialized respite care programs for families with children who have severe mental health needs.

Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI)
SSI is a Federal in come supplement program funded by general tax revenues not Social Security taxes. Children with "physical or mental conditions which can be medically proven and which result in marked and severe functional limitations and the condition(s) may be eligible for SSI benefits." Children must be under age 18 or 18-22 and a student and the condition must have lasted or be expected to last 12 months or end in death. Contact your local Social Security office for additional information. 

Transition Services 
Services that support a child with mental health needs as they enter adulthood and the adult service system. These services may include independent living services, supported employment, vocational training and mental health services. Maryland transition age youth service programs in 11 jurisdictions. 

Therapeutic Group Home
A community home serving 5-10 children with mental health needs.

Wraparound Services
An approach to helping children with mental health needs and their families by developing individualized services that meet the child and family needs such as respite care for the family, in-home aides to help manage the child's behavior. Families with children on Medicaid are entitled to these services through Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment (EPSDT.)

Juvenile Justice
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Arbitration
A process where an impartial person will listen to both sides of a dispute and make a judgement. 

Adjudicatory Hearing
A hearing before a juvenile judge or master to determine the truth of allegations made against a youth. If the allegations are found to be true, the youth is "adjudicated delinquent."

Aftercare
An individualized service plan developed for a youth who is discharged from a residential program or hospital outlining the community services to be provided when the child returns home. Services may include mentoring, counseling, drug or alcohol treatment. 

Capital Offense
A criminal offense punishable by death and in Maryland, a life sentence without possibility of parole.

Commitment
Legal transfer of a youth's custody from a parent or legal guardian to a State agency, Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services, Department of Mental Hygiene or Development Disabilities Administration which is responsible for the child's placement for up to three years

Complaint
A charge that is made with a Department of Juvenile Justice intake worker against a youth by the police, a parent, school official or private citizen.

Community Service
Work in the community without pay that may be ordered by a judge, master or Juvenile Justice worker as restitution for an offense. 

Competency to Stand Trial
Ability of someone charged with a crime or delinquency offense to understand the nature or object of the criminal or juvenile proceedings and to assist in one's own defense.

CINS (Child in Need of Supervision)
A case involving a child who commits a "status offense" that, if committed by an adult would not be a crime such as truancy, runaway or ungovernable behavior.

CINA (Child in Need of Assistance)
A case involving a child who has been physically, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected by a person responsible for the child's care.

Citation
The written form issued by a police officer, which serves as the initial pleading against the child.

Community Detention/Electronic Monitoring
Community detention is an alternative to placement in a detention center. Community detention allows youth to remain at home by providing daily face-to-face and telephone contact. Youth are often required to wear an ankle bracelet which electronically monitors the youths location.

Delinquent
A youth who has been adjudicated for an act, which would be a crime if committed by an adult and who requires guidance, treatment and rehabilitation.

DJJ (Department of Juvenile Justice)
The state agency in Maryland responsible for assisting the court and local community in providing services to delinquent youth. 

Detention Center
A secure facility for individuals awaiting court action or review. For adults detention centers are the jails for the local jurisdiction. For juveniles there are designated State or private confinement facilities.

Detention Hearing
A court hearing held following a youth's apprehension to determine whether the youth will be released to a parent or guardian pending further court action, or whether the youth will continue in detention awaiting a trial.

Disposition
The action taken by the juvenile court that outlines the nature, assistance, guidance, treatment or rehabilitation than an adjudicated youth will receive. In adult court this is known as the "sentence." The disposition hearing must take place within 30 days of the adjudicatory hearing. 

Diversion
An alternative plan presented to the court in place of incarceration or to prevent the youth from a court ordered placement.

Emancipated Minor
Legal process releasing a child from parental or guardian control.
Forensic Services
Investigative services rendered in connection with a court proceeding to determine competency, criminal responsibility, dangerousness, disposition of the case or waiver to adult court. In mental health this may include testing, interviews with the youth, review of records (school records, mental health records), police reports and interviews with others (witnesses, family, school personnel.) 

Formalized Case
Results when charges against a youth are prepared and filed. This is a formal request that court action be taken.

Informalized Case
Diversion from the court based upon agreement by the youth, family, victim and Juvenile Justice worker to resolve the case without court involvement. 

Intake or Intake Hearing
A conference to determine how to proceed with the complaint. The Intake worker or Officer determines whether the youth requires detention, protective supervision or formal court action. The decision takes into consideration public safety, and the needs of the youth.

Juvenile Court
The juvenile court system in Maryland is separate from the other state courts. The distinct court system is intended to shield youth under 18 years of age from the "taint of criminality." In most jurisdictions, Juvenile Court is located in the Circuit Court. In Montgomery County the District Court acts as the Juvenile Court. 

Master
A court officer authorized to hear juvenile cases and make recommendations to the Juvenile Judge.

Petition
A formal written request asking the court to take action on a case in the best interests of the public and/or the youth.

Probation
Court ordered supervision of a youth in the community; it can include requirements to attend counseling or perform community service.

Recession of an Order
Decision to end or terminate the court order.

Remand
When a child comes back to juvenile court after having been committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services, Department of Mental Hygiene or Developmental Disabilities Administration and the court allows the involved agency to decide where the youth is to be placed.

Respondent
Youth who is the subject of the hearing.

Restitution
Payment up to $10,000 per case that either the child or parent or both can be ordered to pay to the victim for medical bills or expenses related to damage or loss of the victims property.

Restorative Justice
A philosophy that juvenile justice should be based on a system of accountability, rehabilitation and competency development for offending youth.

Show Cause Hearing
Parent or guardian responsible for producing the child for a hearing and who fails to appear in court after being served with notice to appear. Parent or guardian must explain non-appearance to the court in a separate hearing.

Stet
On a motion by the State's Attorney, the court indefinitely postpones a trial with specific conditions to be satisfied. Should the individual commit another crime within the next year or two, the state may proceed with the prosecution of the charge.

Waiver Hearing
In delinquency cases when the juvenile has committed a serious crime, a separate hearing is held to determine if the youth's case shall be heard in juvenile court or "waived" to adult court.

Writ or Warrant
A court order that allows the law enforcement officers to apprehend and bring an individual to court.

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