What Are California Regional Centers and How Do They Help Families?
Updated: 6 hours ago
If you're a parent or caregiver of someone with a developmental disability in California, you've probably heard the term "Regional Center" from a doctor, school, or another family.
But what exactly is a Regional Center, and how can it help?
California's Regional Centers connect individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to services and resources that support independence, daily living, and quality of life.
What Do California Regional Centers Do?
California has 21 Regional Centers, nonprofit organizations that operate under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Regional Centers help assess eligibility, identify individual needs, coordinate services, and connect families with support throughout different stages of life.
Rather than providing most direct care themselves, Regional Centers coordinate and fund eligible services delivered by community organizations and service providers.
Who Qualifies for Regional Center Services?
Eligibility generally includes individuals with a developmental disability that began before age 18, is expected to continue indefinitely, and causes substantial limitations in daily functioning.
Qualifying conditions may include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and certain other developmental disabilities.
California also offers early intervention services for eligible infants and toddlers under age 3, as well as provisional eligibility for certain children ages 3 and 4.
Each Regional Center determines eligibility through an assessment process, which is provided at no cost to families.
What Services Are Available?
Once an individual is eligible, a Regional Center service coordinator works with them and their family to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP). This plan outlines their needs, personal goals, and the services and support they may receive.
Depending on individual needs and eligibility, services may include:
Respite care and family support
Personal assistance and daily living support
Independent living and life skills development
Supported living services
Employment and community integration support
Behavioral and therapeutic services
Services are individualized, and funding depends on assessed needs, program requirements, and available resources.
How Home Care Placement Supports Individuals and Families
At Home Care Placement, we provide personalized support for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them build independence and participate more fully in everyday life.
Our care providers assist with daily routines, personal care, community activities, and skill development, with support tailored to each individual's needs and goals.
Whether someone needs assistance at home, help participating in their community, or support developing greater independence, our team is here to help.
Getting Started With Regional Center Services
If you're unsure where to begin, the first step is to contact the Regional Center serving your area and request an eligibility assessment.
You can find your local center through the California Department of Developmental Services website.
Already receiving Regional Center services and looking for additional support?
At Home Care Placement, we can help you explore our personal disability support services and how they may fit into your existing care plan.
Have questions about our disability services? Schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your needs and learn how we can help.
Expert Reviewed By: Diego Chacon, Co-Founder of Home Care Placement, with over a decade of experience in the home care industry.
Comments