Based on a survey of states, this document summarizes state-level approaches to using surrogate parents in order to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Most respondents noted that their states had issued policy or formal guidance pertaining to surrogate parents and children with disabilities, and most also described efforts to ensure that the educational decision making rights of biological and adoptive parents were preserved whenever possible. Although only just more than a quarter of respondents described having a statewide surrogate parent program that addresses recruitment, training and retention of surrogates, all 12 of these states emphasized the value of a statewide system for ensuring that children with disabilities receive appropriate services. (Contains 5 footnotes.)