This chapter explains what the regional centers are and how to use them. You will learn how to apply for regional center services and how services work. You will also learn how to transfer to a different regional center if you move. 

We explain the law and important things you should know about the regional center system. This information is mostly taken from a state law called the Lanterman Act, which begins at section 4500 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. We give you the section of this state law where you can find the information we wrote. You may have to look at the law to get the services you need. When you see the word “Section(s),” followed by a number and no other information, it means section(s) of the Lanterman Act. To read the Lanterman Act, click here.