Becoming a Regional Center Client
A step-by-step guide to understanding the Regional Center intake process, from your first phone call to receiving services.
Informational purposes only
Kindway is not affiliated with any Regional Center or government agency. This guide is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most recent policy changes. Always verify current requirements directly with your Regional Center.
What Are Regional Centers?
Regional Centers are nonprofit organizations that coordinate services for people with developmental disabilities in California. There are 21 Regional Centers across the state. In the Bay Area, the three Regional Centers are:
- Golden Gate Regional Center — San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin counties
- Regional Center of the East Bay — Alameda, Contra Costa counties
- San Andreas Regional Center — Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey counties
Regional Centers are funded by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) but operate as independent nonprofit organizations.
Who Is Eligible?
- People with developmental disabilities that begin before age 18
- Qualifying conditions include: intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and conditions requiring similar services
- For children under 3: The Early Start program accepts children with developmental delays or those at risk of delays
- The condition must be expected to continue indefinitely and represent a substantial disability
Step 1: Make a Referral
Anyone can make a referral — you can refer yourself, or a family member, doctor, teacher, or social worker can refer on your behalf.
- Contact your local Regional Center directly by phone
- You do not need a diagnosis to request an evaluation
What to say when you call:
“I'd like to make a referral for an intake evaluation for [yourself / your child].”
Step 2: Intake Interview
Timeline: The Regional Center must respond within 15 working days of your referral.
You will meet with an intake coordinator who will gather information about your situation. They will ask about:
- Developmental history
- Current challenges and support needs
- What services you are seeking
Documents to bring:
- ID or birth certificate
- Medical records and evaluations
- School records (IEPs, report cards)
- Any psychological or developmental assessments
- Insurance information (Medi-Cal, private insurance)
Step 3: Assessment & Evaluation
The Regional Center will arrange assessments at no cost to you. These may include:
- Psychological testing
- Medical evaluations
- Adaptive behavior assessments
Timeline: The Regional Center must complete the evaluation within 120 days of the initial referral.
- You have the right to participate in choosing assessors
Tip: Ask for copies of all assessment reports. These documents are valuable for other services and programs.
Step 4: Eligibility Determination
A team will review the assessment results and make a determination about eligibility. You will receive a written notice of the decision.
- If eligible: You will be assigned a Service Coordinator who will help develop your service plan
- If denied: You have the right to appeal the decision (see Your Rights section below)
Step 5: Individual Program Plan (IPP)
Timeline: Within 60 days of eligibility, you will create an IPP with your Service Coordinator.
The IPP is your plan — you are an equal participant in creating it. It outlines the services and supports you will receive.
For children under 3: This is called an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
What to discuss at your IPP meeting:
- Specific services (therapy, respite, behavioral support, etc.)
- How many hours per week or month for each service
- Who will provide the services (you can request specific vendors)
- How progress will be measured
- When the plan will be reviewed (at least annually)
Tip: You can bring an advocate or support person to your IPP meeting. Having someone with you can help make sure your needs are fully represented.
Step 6: Receiving Services
Once your IPP is in place, services are coordinated by your Service Coordinator. You can choose from vendored (approved) service providers.
Common services include:
- Your Service Coordinator should check in with you regularly
- You can request an IPP review at any time — you do not have to wait for the annual review
Your Rights
- Right to receive services in your preferred language
- Right to appeal any Regional Center decision (within 30 days)
- Right to request an independent evaluation
- Right to access and review your records
- Right to change your Service Coordinator at any time
- Right to file a complaint with the Department of Developmental Services
- Right to a Fair Hearing if you disagree with the Regional Center’s decision
Fair Hearing Process
If you disagree with a Regional Center decision, you can request a Fair Hearing through the Office of Administrative Hearings. The Regional Center must provide you with written instructions on how to file.
Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA)
Free advocacy support for Regional Center clients and applicants.
1-800-390-7032Common Questions
How long does the whole process take?
From referral to receiving services, the process typically takes 4 to 8 months. The Regional Center must complete the evaluation within 120 days of the initial referral and develop the IPP within 60 days after eligibility is determined.
Does it cost anything?
Regional Center services are free to eligible individuals regardless of income. Some services may require Medi-Cal or private insurance as a first payer, but the Regional Center covers what insurance does not.
What if my child is under 3?
Contact your Regional Center about the Early Start program. The process is faster and eligibility criteria are broader. Children with developmental delays or those at risk of delays may qualify.
What if I’m an adult seeking services?
Adults can self-refer to the Regional Center. The intake and evaluation process is the same. You do not need a doctor or family member to make the referral for you.
What if I’m denied eligibility?
You have the right to appeal. The Regional Center must provide a written notice explaining the denial and your appeal rights. Contact the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) at 1-800-390-7032 for free advocacy support.
Can I get services while waiting for eligibility?
In some cases, yes. Ask your intake coordinator about emergency or provisional services, especially if there is an urgent need. Early Start services for children under 3 can sometimes begin before a full eligibility determination.
Helpful Resources
Bay Area Regional Centers
San Andreas Regional Center
Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey counties