You sit at a table, overwhelmed by the complexities of the regional center system. Your child’s future depends on accessing vital services, but delays are standing in the way.
If you’ve been navigating delays in obtaining services for your child through a regional center, you’re not alone. The Lanterman Act guarantees individuals with developmental disabilities the right to receive necessary services, but families often face frustrating delays in eligibility assessments and service implementation.
This blog will help you understand:
- Your legal rights under the Lanterman Act
- The timelines regional centers must follow
- How to advocate for timely services
- Legal precedents that support timely service access
You Have the Right to Timely Services: Here’s How to Ensure It
Navigating regional center services is often a frustrating process filled with delays that can harm your child’s development. However, the law is on your side.
Understanding your rights is crucial. When armed with knowledge, you can effectively advocate for your child’s timely services. The Lanterman Act ensures that children and adults with developmental disabilities are entitled to essential services, and you have the legal right to demand them.
Let’s break down your rights and actionable steps you can take to ensure services are not delayed.
A Parent’s Advocacy Journey: Overcoming Regional Center Delays
Meet Samantha. She was trying to get timely services for her son, who has autism and an intellectual disability. After multiple phone calls and emails to Inland Regional Center, the delays were becoming unbearable.
“I knew my son needed help, but every time I reached out, I hit a wall.”
Samantha felt overwhelmed, but she was determined. She learned about her rights under the Lanterman Act and how she could escalate issues. Armed with this knowledge, she filed a complaint, referenced the legal deadlines, and demanded a meeting with her regional center’s supervisor.
The result? Within weeks, Samantha’s son’s assessment was completed, and services were implemented immediately.
“By understanding the law, I gained confidence. I wasn’t just another parent—my voice mattered.”
Your Legal Rights Under the Lanterman Act
The Lanterman Act guarantees several key rights for families navigating regional center services:
- Right to Services: Your child is entitled to services that help them live as independently as possible.
- Right to Timely Assessments: The regional center must complete eligibility assessments within specified deadlines.
- Right to Appeal: If there are delays or denials, you can request a hearing or escalate the issue.
- Right to Non-Discrimination: Services must be provided equitably, respecting cultural and linguistic needs.
Timelines for Regional Center Services
California law sets strict timelines to prevent unnecessary delays:
- Initial Intake (15 Working Days)
- Eligibility Assessment (120 Days or 60 Days if Urgent)
- IPP Development (60 Days After Eligibility Decision)
- Service Implementation (ASAP After IPP Approval)
How to Advocate for Timely Services
If you’re experiencing delays, here are 10 steps you can take to hold your regional center accountable:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications.
- Use Legal Deadlines: Reference the timelines in emails or meetings.
- Escalate to a Supervisor: If the caseworker isn’t responding, escalate the issue.
- Request a Fair Hearing: If necessary, challenge the regional center’s decisions.
- Contact Advocacy Organizations: Leverage resources like Disability Rights California.
The Law is on Your Side: Empower Yourself to Advocate
Just like Samantha, you can successfully advocate for your child. Understanding your legal rights and the regional center’s responsibilities is the first step in ensuring your child receives timely services. You’re not alone on this journey. With the right strategies and support, you can make a difference in your child’s life.
Resources for Families
- Pathways to Advocacy: 951-251-4437 or pathwaytoadvocacy@gmail.com
- Disability Rights California: www.disabilityrightsca.org
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS): www.dds.ca.gov
- State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD): www.scdd.ca.gov
- Inland Regional Center: www.inlandrc.org
Final Thoughts:
Your child’s rights matter. You have the tools and the legal framework to demand timely access to services. If you need additional support, contact Pathways to Advocacy today.
