Parent Question

How do I stay involved in the IEP process after my child turns 18?

Published: Oct. 16, 2024Updated: Apr. 17, 2026

Your child will legally become an adult at age 18, and it’s a possibility that the school can deny you access to your child’s IEP. However, there’s an easy remedy to stay involved.

Most school districts have a form that your child can sign. If the school doesn’t have a form, a letter to the district signed by your child allowing the parents to participate and make decisions should suffice.

Lisa Carey, Undivided's Education Advocate, explains more in detail here:

If you need to submit a letter from your child to the school, you can check out this sample letter template from Disability Rights California.

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