The IPP is a document with services and supports you need and want to reach your goals for your life. It says who will provide services and supports. The IPP is a contract: once you and the regional center agree on what is in the IPP, the regional center must do what it says.[1]“While it is true that regional centers have ‘wide discretion’ in determining how to implement the IPP, they have no discretion at all in determining whether to implement it; they must do so … Continue reading Both you (or parent or representative) and the regional center must sign the IPP before the services you have agreed to may start.[2]Section 4646(i). You can only get the services in your IPP. To get a new or different service, you must change your IPP, usually with another IPP meeting. The IPP says your needs, preferences, choices, goals and objectives, and the services and supports you need to reach those goals. The IPP focuses on you and, where appropriate, your family. Your IPP should help you stay in your community and enjoy as independent, productive, and normal life as possible.[3]Section 4646.
Your IPP should include:
- Information about your strengths, choices, and needs.[4]Section 4646.5(a)(1).
- The specific services and supports you need and choose to lead a more independent and productive life [5]Sections 4501 and 4502(a).
- The specific services you need to meet your individual needs.[6]“The [Lanterman] Act clearly contemplates that the services to be provided each client will be selected ‘on an individual basis.’” Williams v. Macomber (1991) 226 Cal.App.3d 225, 232.
- A list of the services and supports you need, who will provide them, and when they will start.[7]Section 4646.5(a)(5).
Your IPP must say if regional center will provide, supervise, or pay for your services, or if it will be another agency. It must be clear in your IPP who is responsible for providing or paying for each service.[8]“The services and supports the regional center agrees to provide to its clients should be set forth in unambiguous language. [Just saying] that the regional center will ‘request’ funding is … Continue reading
Our Supplements can help you plan for your IPP: Supplement I (IPP Meeting Planner); Supplement J (Use Your IPP to Plan for Community Activities); and Supplement K (Get Ready for Your Child’s IPP or IFSP Meeting).
| ↑1 | “While it is true that regional centers have ‘wide discretion’ in determining how to implement the IPP, they have no discretion at all in determining whether to implement it; they must do so [referring to Section 4648].” Association for Retarded Citizens-California v. Department of Developmental Services (1985) 38 Cal.3d 384, 390. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Section 4646(i). |
| ↑3 | Section 4646. |
| ↑4 | Section 4646.5(a)(1). |
| ↑5 | Sections 4501 and 4502(a). |
| ↑6 | “The [Lanterman] Act clearly contemplates that the services to be provided each client will be selected ‘on an individual basis.’” Williams v. Macomber (1991) 226 Cal.App.3d 225, 232. |
| ↑7 | Section 4646.5(a)(5). |
| ↑8 | “The services and supports the regional center agrees to provide to its clients should be set forth in unambiguous language. [Just saying] that the regional center will ‘request’ funding is ambiguous because it is unclear whether the agency is agreeing to provide the services… or is only agreeing to request them.” In the Matter of T.S. v. Golden Gate Regional Center, Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Case Numbers 2003020153 and N2003010267. |