In 2018, the state of California allotted $2,500 to Regional Center consumers for the specific purpose of hiring facilitators to create person-centered plans.

The title “Independent Facilitator” is actually a bit confusing regarding pre-transition supports. There have been a series of directives from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) since 2022 which dictate how supports can be provided to individuals in order to enter SDP. As of January 1, 2024, a Person-Centered Planner can get paid to do a Person Centered Plan by the Regional Center. A Pre-Transition Support person can get paid to help with the rest of the process into Self-Determination.

Long story short, the Regional Center can fund all pre-transition supports to help you enter Self Determination. Claudia Cares Consulting helps from the very beginning- we create Person Centered Plans, help with transition under 099, and provide ongoing Independent Facilitation Services. We work within the framework set up by DDS and do not charge families anything out of pocket for SDP services.

Once you enter Self-Determination, funds for an Independent Facilitator come from the budget.

If you are already in SDP and want an IF to get started now, we can work together!

Budgets are entirely based on the past 12-month expenditures incurred by the individual, unmet needs, and any change of circumstance (this would be any circumstance that would require additional services or reduction of services). Based on our years of experience, we can help you develop an effective budget and understand eligibility, ultimately maximizing services based on your or your child’s needs.

An “unmet need” refers to any services that are ordinarily provided by the Regional Center, but for some reason or another has not been fulfilled or accessed. There may be a lack of availability for certain support staff or other limitations that prevent the Regional Center from meeting a need.

Yes, we often provide ongoing IF services! This cost would come from the individual budget.
If you are already in SDP and want CCC to be your IF, please join our waitlist and feel free to request our service guide!

This depends! There are a number of lengthy steps on the Regional Center side, but things can be sped up if a family is determined to move quickly. On average, it takes between 3-9 months from start to finish to enter SDP.

It can be difficult to navigate the Regional Center resources. You may not be fully aware of what is available for you/your child and, therefore, are forced to adhere to what Regional Center recommends for your child’s case. An Independent Facilitator specializes in person-centered planning so that you and your family can get the best quality services, understand how to navigate your budget, and enter your child into the Self-Determination Program with confidence. As your Independent Facilitators, it is our job to support you through the process and maximize your success.

We are currently taking clients interested in being on our Waitlist.

If you are interested in working with us, click “Join Our Waitlist” on this page to fill out our form!

We are inviting clients for a Discovery Meeting to see if we are good fit on a rolling basis as space opens up.

At Claudia Cares Consulting, we believe that every individual with a disability has the right to live a Self-Determined, independent, and fulfilling life.

Claudia and Ariela are both Masters-Level educated in their respective fields, with years of experience working with individuals and families. They combine their training and backgrounds to provide truly holistic, individualized, and expert services to each of their clients.