Regional Center Services THE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM PLAN (IPP) PROCESS

The services and supports funded by RC are intended to achieve certain outcomes under the Lanterman Act.  To lessen the effects of the developmental disability  Have a normal, independent, and productive life.  To learn new skills.   uide.pdf uide.pdf uide.pdf

The IPP is a formal document created between the RC and the client.  It is a contract between you and the regional center and enforceable as such.  It must list all of the services and supports that a client shall receive, if it’s not listed the client won’t get the service.  Must be held every three years but usually held every year.  You can request an IPP at any time. It must be held within 30 of your request. Sample request letter at

The IPP should be conducted in a person-centered manner. This means that the client is the focus of the meeting and we gear the discussion around that person.  Should be conducted in a person centered manner. For information on person-centered planning see the following publications. ning.pdf ss_to_Action.PDF ning.pdf ss_to_Action.PDF ning.pdf ss_to_Action.PDF 

Several categories of services have been developed but this is not an exhaustive list of available services.  Assessment services  Habilitation and training  Treatment and therapy  Preventive services  Living arrangements  Community integration  Employment/Day Programs  Family Support Services  Relationship Services  Emergency and Crisis Intervention  Specialized Equipment  Transportation Services  Facilitation Services  Self-Advocacy  Advocacy  Tips for securing regional center services can be found at ca.org/pubs/ htm

Each RC has Purchase of Service (POS) policies. These policies determine the types and amounts of services RC will fund. But, RC can’t rely on a POS policy that violates the Lanterman Act entitlement to necessary services and supports. Watch out for policies that put arbitrary limits on the duration or frequency of a service. That should be determined on an individual basis in the IPP.  POS are guidelines for purchasing services and supports.  The POS policies explain the requirements for receiving services.  These policies vary from regional center to regional center.  RC’s must be cost-effective in the services and supports they purchase.  All services must be free of charge regardless of income except for a portion of 24 hour out of home care for minors, Daycare, Camping, and Respite – see Respite Presentation.