Program Coordination

What is Program Coordination?

It is the process of developing a plan (called an Individual Program Plan or IPP) to meet each individual's needs which relate to their developmental disability, and seeing that the plan is followed by the people who are providing the services to the individual. It includes seeing that the plan gets changed when it is not meeting the individual's needs.

What does the Client Program Coordinator (CPC) do?

He or she is the regional center staff member responsible for monitoring, coordinating and changing the Individual Program Plan. He or she advises the individual about the services that are available and helps the person obtain them. He/she facilitates the process of change during times of transition. Times of transition include: infancy to school age, adolescence to adulthood, adulthood to senior.

How much time will my Client Program Coordinator spend with me?

The amount of time is based on the needs of each individual and family served. This is determined by the CPC. The desired goal is to have each individual and family be as independent as possible. This is healthy for the individual and family and allows the CPC to assist those who need it most.

Will a client always have the same Program Coordinator?

No. He or she will, though, get the same services. We do all we can to minimize changes in Program Coordinators. NBRC has staff available on a 24-hour basis. In case of an emergency, call the NBRC office closest to the client. After hours or on weekends, call the Emergency Response System at 1-800-884-1594.

What may an individual do if he or she does not get along with the Client Program Coordinator?

Tell the CPC or his or her Supervisor that a change is desired. We recognize that program coordination is a personal process. We will assist each individual in getting the best service in the most effective manner.

What can I do to help?

Actively participate with the individual by evaluating his or her progress and reviewing his or her program plans. You know him or her better than anyone.

When are cases inactivated?

When the individual does not need NBRC services and does not want a Program Coordinator to contact him or her regularly. To reactivate a person's case, call NBRC. The person will not have to go through the intake process again, however new assessments may be needed to develop the Individual Program Plan if it has been a long time since the individual received NBRC services.

When are cases closed?

Cases are closed when a client:

• Moves out of California;
• No longer has developmental disabilities;
• Dies.

What happens if a client moves from the North Bay area?

Give us the individual's new address and we will transfer his or her case to the Regional Center in his or her area within California. If the individual moves from California, we will transfer his or her records, with written approval, to the appropriate agency.

May I review the record?

Yes. If the individual is under 18 and you are not the parent or legal guardian, you must have written permission from the parent or guardian. If the individual is an adult and you are not his or her court-appointed conservator, you will need permission from the individual whether or not you are his or her parent.

What is an IPP review?

The IPP review is an update of the Individual Program Plan. To develop the best possible plan, the client, parent or family member, guardian and service providers are encouraged to participate in the planning process. Clients may invite other friends or advocates to participate in the IPP process.

What is an Individual Family Service Plan review?

An IFSP is developed for services to clients between the ages of 0-3.

The IFSP review includes the following participants:

• The parent or parents of the child;
• Other family members, as requested by the parent(s);
• An advocate or person outside the family, if the parent(s) request that the person participate;
• The service coordinator who has been working with the family since the initial referral of the child for evaluation, or who has been designated by the local education agency or regional center (or their respective designee) to be responsible for implementation of the IFSP;
• A person or persons directly involved in conducting the evaluation and assessments;
• As appropriate, persons who will be providing services to the child or family.

Each IFSP meeting includes, at a minimum, the individuals listed above, either in person or through other arrangements made to secure the person's involvement in the meeting. Other arrangements to secure the person's involvement may include the following: telephone conference call, knowledgeable authorized representative attends the meeting, or pertinent records are available at the meeting.

What translation capabilities are available?

NBRC has staff members who speak Spanish. We also have staff members who use American Sign Language for the Deaf. We will do our best to obtain translation services whenever they are needed by applicants or clients to assist them to fully participate in Regional Center activities.

What if NBRC services do not meet the individual's needs?

We would appreciate it if you would discuss your concerns with the individual's Program Coordinator or the Supervisor. If the issue remains unresolved, the individual may file for a Fair Hearing (see Appeals chapter).

Page copyright North Bay Regional Center 2008.