New Jersey § 18a:46-2

§ 18a:46-2.

a. The duties of the Special Education Ombudsman shall include, but need not be limited

to, the following: (1) to serve as a source of information for parents, students, educators, and interested

members of the public to help them better understand State and federal laws and regulations

governing special education; (2) to provide information and support to parents of students with disabilities in

navigating and understanding the process for obtaining special education evaluations

and services; (3) to provide information and communication strategies to parents and school districts

for resolving a disagreement regarding the identification, evaluation, classification,

placement, provision of a free, appropriate public education, or disciplinary action,

of a student with a disability; and to educate parents on the available options for

resolving such disputes, including due process hearings, mediation, and other alternative

dispute resolution processes; (4) to work neutrally and objectively with all parties to help ensure that a fair

process is followed and that the special education system functions equitably and

as intended; (5) to identify any patterns of complaints that emerge regarding special education

rights and services, and to recommend strategies for improvement to the Department

of Education; (6) to assist the Department of Education in creating public information programs

designed to acquaint and educate parents and the public about the ombudsman's duties;

and (7) to serve as a resource for disability-related information and referrals to other

available programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including early

intervention and transition to adult life. b. The ombudsman shall treat communications received in the course of his duties,

including personally identifiable information regarding students, parents, and others

from whom information is acquired, as confidential, except when disclosure is necessary

to enable the ombudsman to perform the duties of the office and consent for disclosure

is obtained. Upon receipt of information that by law is confidential or privileged, the ombudsman

shall maintain the confidentiality of such information and shall not disclose or disseminate

the information except as provided by applicable State or federal law.