(a)
The State Department of Education shall issue requests for proposals, select grantees, and award grants pursuant to this chapter by not later than February 15, 2002. Grants awarded to Family Empowerment Centers on Disability by the State Department of Education shall be based upon a formula that does the following:
(1)
Establishes a minimum base rate of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for each center to provide the basic services pursuant to this chapter and serve parents and guardians of children and young adults from age three years to age 18 years, inclusive, and to those young adults from age 19 years to age 22 years who had an individualized education plan prior to their 18th birthday.
(2)
Establishes an allocation mechanism that is determined according to school enrollment of the region served.
(b)
Each grant applicant shall demonstrate all of the following:
(1)
That the need for training and information for underserved parents and guardians of children and young adults with disabilities in the area to be served will be effectively met.
(2)
That services will be delivered in a manner that accomplishes all of the following:
(A)
All families have access to services regardless of cultural, linguistic, geographical, socioeconomic, or other similar barriers.
(B)
Services are provided in accordance with families’ linguistic and cultural preferences and needs.
(C)
Services are coordinated with the existing family support organizations within the region.
(D)
Promotes positive parent and professional collaboration with local educational agencies, special education local plan areas, and other community agencies.