1. Gather information. Gather information from the client, parents, guardians, and any other source available to determine the individual’s situation.

   • Contact parents. If a client does not live with or have contact with a parent/guardian but does have knowledge about the parent/guardian’s whereabouts, Nebraska VR should send a letter or contact them by telephone to confirm that the parent/guardian (1) is not providing economic or material support and (2) does not wish to have any information or participation in the minor client’s Vocational Rehabilitation process. Documentation of the letter or notes of the telephone call should be placed in the TASK notes.
   • Ask questions. Ask the student, parents when possible, and others the following questions.

     • How long has the minor been out of the parent/guardian’s home?
     • Does the parent/guardian agree with the minor being out of the family/guardian home or did the minor run away?
     • How does the minor support himself/herself?
     • Who is financially responsible and is providing for shelter, food and other life necessities for the minor?
     • Is the minor covered by anyone’s insurance (health, auto, etc)?
     • Is a parent or guardian receiving child support or government support on behalf of the minor?
     • Does anyone claim the minor as a dependant for income tax purposes?
     • Does the parent/guardian plan on staying involved in the minor’s rehabilitation program?
     • Who provides the minor with transportation?
     • Is there any possibility that the minor will move back into the family/guardian home?

2. Make determination. Based on the answers to these questions and other information received make a determination on whether the waiver of signature is appropriate.
3. Complete form. Complete the ‘Waiver of Parent Signature Form’
4. Keep copy of form. Keep a copy of the form in the case file and provide copies to the student and/or parents if requested.

Employment Program: If a client is under the age of 19 years, he/she is considered to be a minor. In the employment program, the parent or guardian must sign the application, the rehabilitation plan and necessary release of information forms for a minor.

In some cases, a client under the age of 19 years does not live with or have any contact with a parent or guardian. If there is no parent or guardian involved in the client’s life who is available or willing to be involved in the rehabilitation process, Nebraska VR can waive the parent signature and work with the client. In such cases, the client will not need a parent or guardian to sign the aforementioned documents.

If the individual is still a student in high school, the waiver is only available to high school students not under an IEP. High school students under an IEP, however, either have a responsible parent or are assigned a surrogate by the school and these students cannot receive a waiver.

Emancipated Minor Form