Regional Center

I thought I'd talk about California's Regional Center and how it relates to our experiences with John and his therapy.

According to the California Department of Developmental Services website, Regional Centers provide diagnosis and assessment of eligibility, as well as help to plan, access, coordinate and monitor the services and supports that are needed due to a developmental disability.

Infants and toddlers (age 0 to 36 months) who are at risk of having developmental disabilities or who have a developmental delay may also qualify for services. The criteria for determining the eligibility of infants and toddlers is specified in Section 95014 of the California Government code. These services are provided through their "EARLY START" program. In addition, individuals at risk of having a child with a developmental disability may be eligible for genetic diagnosis, counseling and other prevention services.

I am going to concentrate on the infants and toddlers portion of the Regional Centers.

(from their website, sited above):

Who is eligible?

Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be eligible for early intervention services if through documented evaluation and assessment they meet one of the criteria listed below:

1. have a developmental delay in either cognitive, communication, social or emotional, adaptive, or physical and motor development including vision and hearing; or
2. have established risk conditions of known etiology, with a high probability of resulting in delayed development; or
3. are at high risk of having a substantial developmental disability due to a combination of risk factors.
   

What early intervention services are available?

Based on the child's assessed developmental needs and the families concerns and priorities as determined by each child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, early intervention services may include:

• assistive technology
• audiology
• family training, counseling, and home visits
• health services
• medical services for diagnostic/evaluation purposes only
• nursing services
• nutrition services
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• psychological services
• respite services
• service coordination (case management)
• social work services
• special instruction
• speech and language services
• transportation and related costs
• vision services
  

What happens after a referral?

Within 45-days the regional center shall:

• Assign a service coordinator to assist the family through evaluation and assessment procedures.
• Obtain parent consent for evaluation is obtained.
• Schedule and complete evaluations and assessments for the child's development.
• If infant or toddler is eligible for early intervention services, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed that addresses the strengths, needs of the infant or toddler, parent concerns, and early intervention services.
• Identified early intervention services that are started in the family home or other community settings.
  

How much does it cost?

There is no cost. Early intervention services including evaluation, assessment and service coordination.

John's Transition out of Regional Center

John's services are paid through Regional Center until he turns 3. At that time, he must transition into the public school system. He will be re-evaluated by the school system to determine eligibility. He must qualify to receive services. This is why it is important to me to find out from someone other than those providing or withholding funding whether they think he continues to show "at risk" behavior, if he receives a permanent diagnosis, or if he'll be able to go into mainstream schooling. As his language develops further, we are (and will be) able to see more clearly where his problems lie. Being able to tell what he understands and what concepts are unclear will help determine what the future will be for John. At this time, it is too early to tell.