Opinion ID: 398788
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Residential Placements Required When Necessary

Text: 11 The role of residential placements in treating learning disabled children is another important factor in this case. In the most general of terms, the federal scheme does state that all placement decisions must be made on an individual basis. 45 C.F.R. 121a.552 (Comment). Individualized placement decisions are facilitated by the requirement that (e)ach public agency shall insure that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needs of handicapped children for special education and related services, 45 C.F.R. 121a.551. The continuum must include special classes, special schools, and instruction in ... institutions. 45 C.F.R. 121a.551(b)(1). Residential placements are not explicitly required by this provision. 12 The role of residential placement is buttressed by a federal regulation which states that (i)f placement in a public or private residential program is necessary to provide special education and related services to a handicapped child, the program, including non-medical care and room and board, must be at no cost to the parents of the child. 45 C.F.R. 121a.302. Learning disabled children are deemed handicapped when they suffer from a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement, and then come within this provision. 13