Conservatorship of John D. CA4/3

FACTS

John and Debora are the parents of J.J., who was 17 when this case was initiated in October 2019. As Debora explained, “JJ has severe autism, is not able to communicate effectively, and is unable to provide for his medical, educational or welfare needs.”

Since both parties have the same last name, we use their first names for purposes of clarity. We intend no disrespect.

2 In the fall of 2015, John and Debora agreed with the Los Alamitos School District (the District) on an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for J.J. The District is obligated to reassess students regularly and update their plans as appropriate; however, Deborah did not agree to any proposed update to J.J.’s IEP after March of 2016. In November 2017, Debora refused to have J.J. assessed by the District. The District sought a “Due Process” administrative review, seeking permission to assess J.J. without Debora’s consent. An expert for the District “felt it was imperative for the school district to assess J.J. in order to move forward appropriately with identifying an individualized education plan for him. And [John] had consented, but [Debora] did not. And their order at that time required that both…