Generic services are services that a public agency is responsible for providing to members of the general public and with public money.^[1]Section 4644(b). Another part of the Lanterman Act adds private insurance and managed health care plan coverage to the list of generic services.^[2]Section 4659(c). The law says a regional center client must use generic services before using its money to buy the same services.^[3]Sections 4648(a)(8) and 4659.

Examples of generic services are school district, Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) through the county, and California Children’s Services (CCS). If your child is eligible for these generic services but you choose not to apply for them, the regional center cannot purchase the services these agencies would provide for your child.^[4]Section 4659(c). If your child or family does not meet the criteria for the generic services above, then the regional center can purchase these services.

At your child’s IPP meeting, ask the regional center to help you advocate for generic services. That way, you will not be the only one responsible for getting them. If you request it, the regional center must help you get generic services.^[5]Section 4659(d)(2). If you have trouble getting the services, ask the regional center to advocate for your child with the public agency, insurance company, or managed health care plan.^[6]Section 4648(b). For more about how to get the regional center to advocate for you, see Chapter 10.