Many families first hear about California Regional Centers after a child or loved one is diagnosed with a developmental disability. While these organizations play an important role in helping individuals access services and support, the Regional Center system can feel overwhelming at first.

California Regional Centers help connect eligible individuals with services that promote independence, community participation, and long-term well-being. Whether you're applying for services for the first time or trying to better understand how the system works, learning the basics can help you make informed decisions for yourself or your loved one.

What Is a California Regional Center?

A California Regional Center is a nonprofit organization that contracts with the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate services and supports for eligible individuals with developmental disabilities.

Regional Centers do not directly provide most services. Instead, they assess individual needs, develop personalized plans, coordinate resources, and connect individuals and families with community-based programs and service providers.

California has 21 Regional Centers, with each center serving a specific geographic area throughout the state.

Why Do California Regional Centers Exist?

California Regional Centers were created to help individuals with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible within their communities.

Their work is guided by the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, commonly known as the Lanterman Act, which established the rights of eligible Californians to receive services and supports based on their individual needs.

Rather than relying on institutional care, the Regional Center system focuses on providing community-based services that promote inclusion, independence, and quality of life.

Who Qualifies for California Regional Center Services?

Regional Center services are available to individuals who meet California's eligibility requirements for developmental disabilities.

Qualifying conditions may include:

Intellectual Disability

An intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors that affect everyday living skills.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can affect communication, social interaction, behavior, and learning.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle coordination, posture, and balance.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurring seizures and may qualify for Regional Center services when it results in significant developmental disabilities.

Other Qualifying Developmental Disabilities

Some individuals with other developmental disabilities that are closely related to intellectual disability or require similar treatment may also qualify under California law.

Eligibility is determined through an evaluation process, and every application is reviewed individually.

What Services Do California Regional Centers Provide?

Regional Centers coordinate a wide variety of services based on an individual's needs, goals, and eligibility.

Common services include:

Service Coordination

Service coordination helps individuals and families identify needed services, connect with qualified providers, monitor progress, and ensure supports continue to meet changing needs over time.

Individual Program Plans (IPP)

An Individual Program Plan (IPP) is a personalized planning document that outlines an individual's goals, services, and supports. The IPP is developed collaboratively between the individual, family members when appropriate, and the Regional Center.

Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention Services support infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities by providing therapies and developmental services during the earliest years of life.

Respite Care

Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers by arranging short-term care for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Supported Living Services (SLS)

Supported Living Services (SLS) help adults with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible by providing assistance with daily living skills, budgeting, transportation, employment, and other individualized supports.

Adult Residential Care Homes

Adult Residential Care Homes are licensed community-based homes that provide 24-hour non-medical care, supervision, and support for adults who need assistance with daily living, medication management, and personal care.

Day Programs

Day programs offer structured activities that help adults build life skills, participate in community activities, develop social connections, pursue education, volunteer, or engage in recreational opportunities during the day.

Employment Supports

Employment supports help individuals prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment through job coaching, vocational training, workplace accommodations, and ongoing support.

Behavioral Services

Behavioral services provide support to help individuals develop communication, coping, social, and daily living skills while addressing behaviors that may interfere with independence or community participation.

Transportation Assistance

Depending on an individual's needs and available resources, Regional Centers may help coordinate transportation services that improve access to employment, medical appointments, community activities, and other essential services.

What Is an Individual Program Plan (IPP)?

The Individual Program Plan (IPP) serves as the roadmap for an individual's Regional Center services.

The plan identifies:

• Personal goals

• Strengths

• Support needs

• Approved services

• Providers responsible for delivering services

The IPP is reviewed regularly and can be updated as an individual's needs change throughout life.

How Do California Regional Centers Help Adults?

While many people associate Regional Centers with services for children, they also provide lifelong support for eligible adults.

Adult services may include:

• Supported Living Services

• Adult Residential Care Homes

• Employment supports

• Independent living services

• Day programs

• Behavioral supports

• Community integration

• Service coordination

These services are designed to help adults live as independently as possible while participating in their communities.

How Do You Apply for California Regional Center Services?

Families or individuals can contact their local Regional Center to request an eligibility assessment.

The application process typically includes:

• Completing an application

• Providing medical or educational records

• Participating in evaluations when necessary

• Determining eligibility

• Developing an Individual Program Plan (IPP) if approved

Each Regional Center serves a designated geographic area, so applicants should contact the office responsible for the county where they live.

What If Your Application Is Denied?

Not every application is approved. If a Regional Center determines that an individual is not eligible or denies requested services, families may have the right to appeal the decision.

The appeal process may include:

Informal Meetings 

Informal meetings provide an opportunity for the individual, family, and Regional Center staff to discuss a disagreement and explore possible solutions before moving forward with a formal appeal.

Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral mediator helps the individual or family and the Regional Center communicate, discuss the issues, and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution.

Fair Hearings

Fair hearings are formal proceedings in which an independent hearing officer reviews evidence from both sides and issues a written decision regarding the Regional Center's action.

Understanding the appeal process can help families advocate for services when they believe a decision should be reconsidered.

How Many California Regional Centers Are There?

California has 21 Regional Centers, each responsible for serving a specific geographic region.

Although each Regional Center operates independently within its service area, all Regional Centers work under the guidance of the California Department of Developmental Services and follow the same laws and statewide policies.

How Do You Find Your Local Regional Center?

Each California county is served by a designated Regional Center.

The California Department of Developmental Services provides a directory that allows individuals and families to locate the appropriate Regional Center based on where they live.

Contacting the correct Regional Center is the first step toward requesting eligibility or learning about available services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are California Regional Center services free?

Many Regional Center services are funded by the State of California for eligible individuals. However, eligibility requirements and available services vary based on each person's individual needs and circumstances.

Are Regional Centers only for children?

No. California Regional Centers serve eligible individuals throughout their lives, from infancy through adulthood.

Do California Regional Centers provide housing?

Regional Centers generally do not provide housing directly. Instead, they may help coordinate residential services, Supported Living Services, Adult Residential Care Homes, and other housing-related supports for eligible individuals.

Can Regional Centers help adults with autism?

Yes. Eligible adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder may receive services and supports through California Regional Centers based on their individual needs.

Do Regional Centers provide caregivers?

Regional Centers may coordinate services such as respite care, supported living, residential services, or other supports depending on an individual's eligibility and service plan.

Can I appeal a Regional Center decision?

Yes. Individuals generally have the right to appeal certain Regional Center decisions involving eligibility, services, or funding if they disagree with the outcome.

California Regional Centers Help Individuals and Families Throughout Life

California Regional Centers play an important role in helping individuals with developmental disabilities access services, supports, and community resources throughout every stage of life. From coordinating evaluations and developing Individual Program Plans to connecting families with housing, employment, behavioral services, and residential supports, Regional Centers serve as an important resource for eligible Californians.

Understanding how the Regional Center system works can make it easier to navigate available services, plan for the future, and advocate for the support needed to help individuals live as independently and successfully as possible.