Code Number: 504.16
The legal custody of a child, either solely or jointly, establishes the right to access educational information about the child and to participate in decisions affecting the child’s education.
In certain circumstances, custody and visitation disputes carry over to the school environment. The District may request a parent or guardian in such a circumstance to present to the school administrator the most current court order addressing custody and visitation issues. School officials are not responsible for the mediation or enforcement of parental agreements or court orders. It is the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility to seek clarification from the court if there is a dispute and to provide the necessary authorization or court order to the District.
The federal Indian Child Welfare Act places exclusive jurisdiction over non-dissolution child custody proceedings with Indian tribes and requires that tribal orders be given full faith and credit. Iowa law also provides authority for recognition of tribal court custody decrees, including dissolution decrees.
The District recognizes authenticated and registered court orders (including tribal court orders) establishing the custody of students attending schools in the District.
Where conflicting documents have been presented or where other custody disputes arise that affect the school environment, the procedures in AR504.16 should be reviewed for guidance.
- First Adoption:
- 2000-07-25
- Revision Adoption:
- July 20, 2009/ September 9, 2013/ April 9, 2018
- Reviewed Dates:
- March 19, 2018
- Legal Reference:
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25 U.S.C. §1911 et seq.
Iowa Code §§ 232B et seq.; 279.8; 598B.104