What Are Regional Centers?
Regional centers are community-based, nonprofit organizations that contract with the California Department of Developmental Services to coordinate and provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Think of them as your local DDS office—your primary point of contact for accessing all services and supports.
Key Facts About Regional Centers
21 Centers Statewide
California has 21 regional centers serving all 58 counties, each covering a specific geographic area
Free Services
All regional center services are provided at no cost to eligible individuals, regardless of income
Nonprofit Organizations
Regional centers are private, nonprofit corporations governed by community boards, not government agencies
Case Management Hub
Your service coordinator at the regional center coordinates all your services and supports
Community-Based
Each center has deep knowledge of local resources, providers, and community supports in their service area
Lanterman Act Authority
Regional centers operate under California's Lanterman Act, which guarantees your rights to services
Why Regional Centers Instead of One Central Agency?
California's regional center model recognizes that:
- Local communities are different – Each region has unique resources, demographics, and needs
- Proximity matters – Having local offices makes services more accessible and responsive
- Community connections are powerful – Regional centers build relationships with local providers, schools, and organizations
- Individualization requires flexibility – Local control allows centers to adapt services to individual and community needs
What Regional Centers Do: Your DDS Gateway
Regional centers play several critical roles in the DDS system. From the moment you first contact them through your entire time receiving services, regional centers are your primary connection to supports.
Core Regional Center Functions
Intake & Eligibility Determination
When you apply for DDS services, your regional center:
- Conducts your initial intake interview
- Gathers documentation about the developmental disability
- Completes or arranges assessments and evaluations
- Determines eligibility within 120 days of application
- Provides written notification of eligibility decisions
Individual Program Plan (IPP) Development
Your regional center facilitates the IPP process:
- Schedules and conducts IPP planning meetings
- Helps you identify goals and needed services
- Documents your plan in writing
- Reviews and updates your IPP at least annually
- Makes changes when your needs change
Service Coordination
Your service coordinator (also called case manager or resource coordinator):
- Serves as your main point of contact at the regional center
- Helps you access services authorized in your IPP
- Connects you with service providers (vendors)
- Monitors service quality and addresses problems
- Coordinates with schools, healthcare providers, and other agencies
- Assists during life transitions and crises
Purchase of Service (POS)
Regional centers purchase services on your behalf:
- Authorize and pay for services in your IPP
- Contract with qualified service providers (vendors)
- Monitor vendor performance and compliance
- Process invoices and payments to providers
- Track service utilization and outcomes
Assessment & Evaluation
Regional centers conduct or arrange assessments:
- Psychological evaluations and IQ testing
- Adaptive behavior assessments
- Medical and neurological evaluations
- Developmental assessments for young children
- Functional assessments for service planning
Information & Referral
Regional centers provide information about:
- Available services and supports
- Community resources and programs
- Educational rights and special education
- Healthcare and insurance options
- Housing and employment opportunities
- Legal rights and advocacy resources
Early Start Services (Ages 0-3)
For infants and toddlers, regional centers provide Early Start services:
- Developmental screenings and assessments
- Family-directed service coordination
- Early intervention therapies (speech, OT, PT)
- Family support and training
- Transition planning at age 3
Crisis Services & Support
Regional centers respond to crises and emergencies:
- 24/7 crisis hotlines for urgent situations
- Emergency respite care placement
- Crisis intervention services
- Temporary increased supports during crises
- Connections to mental health and safety resources
Rights Protection & Advocacy
Each regional center has a clients' rights advocate who:
- Educates individuals about their rights
- Investigates rights violations and complaints
- Assists with informal dispute resolution
- Provides information about fair hearings and appeals
- Connects people with legal advocacy resources
How to Find Your Regional Center
Each regional center serves a specific geographic area based on your county of residence. Finding your regional center is simple and is the critical first step to accessing DDS services.
Three Ways to Find Your Regional Center
🌐 Method 1: Use Online Resources
Best for: Quick lookup from home
- Visit the California DDS Regional Center Map
- Click on your county or use the dropdown menu
- View your regional center's contact information and service area
Or use our county directory below to jump directly to county-specific information.
📞 Method 2: Call DDS Directly
Best for: Getting personalized assistance
Phone: (916) 654-1897
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)
DDS staff can tell you which regional center serves your address and provide their contact information.
🏫 Method 3: Ask Local Organizations
Best for: Getting community connections
Staff at these organizations often know the local regional center:
- School districts and special education departments
- Hospitals and pediatricians' offices
- Community health centers
- Disability advocacy organizations
- Early intervention programs
- Social service agencies
What If I Live Near a County Border?
Some regional centers serve multiple counties. Your regional center is determined by your county of residence, not your proximity to a particular office. If you're not sure which county you're in, check your address on the county assessor's website or ask when you call DDS.
Moving between counties? Your services can transfer to your new regional center. Your service coordinator will help facilitate the transition.
California Regional Centers by County
Select your county below to learn about your local regional center, including contact information, office locations, and county-specific resources.
Los Angeles County
Multiple Regional Centers Serve LA County:
- Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center
- Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center
- Harbor Regional Center
- North Los Angeles County Regional Center
- South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
- Westside Regional Center
San Diego County
Regional Center: San Diego Regional Center
Serves all of San Diego County
View San Diego Guide →Orange County
Regional Center: Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC)
Serves all of Orange County
View Orange County Guide →Riverside County
Regional Center: Inland Regional Center
Serves Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
View Riverside Guide →San Bernardino County
Regional Center: Inland Regional Center
Serves Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
View San Bernardino Guide →Sacramento County
Regional Center: Alta California Regional Center
Serves Sacramento and surrounding counties
View Sacramento Guide →Santa Clara County (San Jose)
Regional Center: San Andreas Regional Center
Serves Santa Clara County
View Santa Clara Guide →Alameda County (Oakland)
Regional Center: Regional Center of the East Bay
Serves Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
View Alameda Guide →San Francisco County
Regional Center: Golden Gate Regional Center
Serves San Francisco and San Mateo Counties
View San Francisco Guide →Fresno County
Regional Center: Central Valley Regional Center
Serves Fresno and surrounding Central Valley counties
View Fresno Guide →Don't see your county? Visit the official DDS Regional Center directory for a complete list of all 21 regional centers and the counties they serve.
Making Initial Contact with Your Regional Center
Once you've identified your regional center, the next step is reaching out to begin the application process or get information about services.
How to Contact Your Regional Center
📞 Phone (Most Common)
Best for: Fastest way to start the process
What to say: "I'd like to apply for DDS services" or "I need information about the intake process"
Ask for: The Intake Department or Intake Coordinator
Hours: Most centers operate Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM
After-hours: Many centers have 24/7 crisis lines for emergencies
🌐 Online Referral Form
Best for: Submitting outside business hours
Most regional centers have online intake forms on their websites where you can submit a referral 24/7. Staff will follow up within 1-2 business days.
🏢 In-Person Visit
Best for: Those who prefer face-to-face interaction
You can visit the regional center office during business hours. Tip: Call ahead to ensure intake staff are available and ask what documents to bring.
✉️ Written Referral
Best for: Those documenting their application date
You can mail or email a written application. However, phone contact typically starts the process faster.
What Happens After Initial Contact?
Application Date Established
Your application date is the day the regional center receives your referral. This starts the 120-day timeline for eligibility determination.
Intake Interview Scheduled
Regional centers typically schedule your intake interview within 15 days of application. You'll be told what documents to bring and who should attend.
Assessment & Evaluation
Based on your intake, the regional center will determine if additional assessments are needed and schedule them.
Eligibility Decision Required
Regional centers must make an eligibility determination within 120 days of your application date. You'll receive written notice of the decision.
Who Can Make a Referral?
Anyone can refer someone to a regional center, including:
- The individual themselves (self-referral)
- Parents, family members, or guardians
- Doctors, therapists, or healthcare providers
- Teachers, school staff, or counselors
- Social workers or case managers
- Friends or community members
You don't need a doctor's referral to apply for DDS services. Anyone can initiate the process.
Working with Your Service Coordinator
Once you're found eligible for services, you'll be assigned a service coordinator (also called case manager or resource coordinator). This person is your primary contact at the regional center and plays a crucial role in helping you access services.
What Does a Service Coordinator Do?
🗂️ Your Main Point of Contact
Your service coordinator is the person you'll work with most closely. They're your go-to for questions, concerns, and requests related to your services.
📋 Facilitates IPP Meetings
Your service coordinator schedules and leads your IPP planning meetings, helps you identify goals, and documents your service plan.
🤝 Connects You with Providers
They help you find and access qualified vendors for services authorized in your IPP, provide referrals, and facilitate connections.
📊 Monitors Services
They track service delivery, ensure you're receiving what's in your IPP, and address any problems with providers.
🔄 Coordinates with Other Agencies
They work with schools, healthcare providers, social services, and other agencies involved in your care.
🚨 Responds to Changes
They help during life transitions, crises, or when your needs change, adjusting services as necessary.
Building an Effective Partnership
Your relationship with your service coordinator is key to getting the most out of DDS services. Here's how to work together effectively:
✅ Communicate Clearly
- Be specific about your needs and concerns
- Document conversations and agreements in writing
- Follow up on requests and commitments
- Ask questions if you don't understand something
✅ Stay Organized
- Keep records of all communications, meetings, and decisions
- Track deadlines for IPP meetings, authorizations, and renewals
- Maintain a file with your IPP, assessments, and important documents
- Learn how to organize your DDS file →
✅ Be Proactive
- Contact your coordinator when needs arise—don't wait for annual reviews
- Request IPP meetings if circumstances change
- Prepare for meetings by thinking about goals and needs in advance
- Bring family members or advocates who can support you
✅ Know Your Rights
- Understand your rights under the Lanterman Act
- Don't hesitate to request changes to your IPP
- You can appeal decisions you disagree with
- You can request a different service coordinator if needed
✅ Maintain Regular Contact
- Your coordinator should contact you at least every 6 months (more often for children)
- You can contact them anytime you have questions or needs
- If your coordinator isn't responsive, escalate to their supervisor
What If Your Service Coordinator Isn't Helpful?
If you're not getting the support you need from your service coordinator:
- Document specific concerns and examples
- Request a meeting with your coordinator to discuss issues
- If issues persist, contact their supervisor or the regional center director
- Request a new service coordinator if the relationship isn't working
- Contact the regional center's clients' rights advocate
- File a complaint with DDS if necessary
Remember: Your service coordinator works for you. If they're not meeting your needs, you have the right to request changes.
Services Provided Through Regional Centers
Regional centers coordinate access to a wide range of services and supports based on individual needs. All services are included in your IPP and are provided at no cost to eligible individuals.
Categories of Services
Early Start (Ages 0-3)
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Developmental services
- Family training and support
- Service coordination
Residential Supports
- Independent Living Services (ILS)
- Supported Living Services (SLS)
- Group homes and community care facilities
- Adult residential facilities
- Family home agencies
Employment Services
- Supported employment and job coaching
- Competitive integrated employment
- Paid internships and work experience
- Job development and placement
- Workplace accommodations support
Day Programs & Community Integration
- Adult day programs
- Activity centers
- Community-based programs
- Social recreation programs
- Volunteer opportunities
Family Support
- Respite care (in-home and out-of-home)
- Parent training and education
- Sibling support
- Counseling services
- Crisis intervention
Behavioral & Mental Health
- Positive behavior support plans
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Mental health counseling
- Crisis stabilization
- Psychiatric services
Medical & Health Services
- Nursing services
- Medication management
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Dental and vision care coordination
- Adaptive equipment
Transportation
- Transportation to day programs
- Medical appointment transportation
- Travel training
- Mileage reimbursement (in some cases)
Assistive Technology & Communication
- Communication devices (AAC)
- Adaptive computer equipment
- Environmental modifications
- Specialized equipment for daily living
Understanding the Regional Center Vendor System
Regional centers don't directly provide most services—instead, they contract with vendors (service providers) who deliver services to you. Understanding how the vendor system works helps you make informed choices.
What Are Vendors?
Vendors are approved service providers that regional centers contract with to deliver specific services. Vendors can be:
- Nonprofit organizations
- For-profit companies
- Individual practitioners or sole proprietors
- Government agencies (in some cases)
How Vendorization Works
Step 1: Regional Center Approval
To become a vendor, providers must:
- Meet regional center qualifications and standards
- Complete vendorization application process
- Obtain necessary licenses and insurance
- Pass background checks
- Sign vendor agreements with the regional center
Step 2: Service Authorization
Once a service is approved in your IPP:
- Regional center issues a Purchase of Service (POS) authorization
- Authorization specifies service type, amount, and time period
- You select from approved vendors for that service
- Vendor provides service as authorized
Step 3: Payment
Regional centers pay vendors directly:
- Vendors bill the regional center for services provided
- You never receive a bill for authorized DDS services
- Regional center tracks service delivery and payments
Your Rights Regarding Vendors
✅ Right to Choose
You have the right to select from available qualified vendors. Regional centers must offer you meaningful choices.
✅ Right to Change
If you're not satisfied with a vendor, you can request a change to a different provider.
✅ Right to Quality Services
Vendors must meet quality standards and deliver services as authorized in your IPP.
✅ Right to File Complaints
You can report concerns about vendor quality or performance to your service coordinator.
What If There's a Problem with a Vendor?
If you experience issues with a vendor:
- Document the problem – Keep records of specific incidents, dates, and concerns
- Talk to the vendor – Try to resolve issues directly first
- Contact your service coordinator – They can mediate or help you change vendors
- Request a different vendor – You're not locked into a specific provider
- File a formal complaint – With the regional center or DDS if needed