4300 Department of Developmental Services
Program Descriptions

10 - COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM

Through the network of regional centers, the Department supports the development and maintenance of services for eligible persons with developmental disabilities who reside in the community. The regional centers directly provide or coordinate the following services and supports: (1) information and referral, (2) assessment and diagnosis, (3) counseling, (4) lifelong individualized planning and service coordination, (5) purchase of necessary services included in the individual program plan, (6) assistance in finding and using community and other resources, (7) advocacy for the protection of legal, civil, and service rights, (8) early intervention services for infants and their families, (9) family support, (10) planning, placement, and monitoring for 24-hour out-of-home care, (11) training and educational opportunities for individuals and families, (12) community education about developmental disabilities, and (13) habilitation services. The needs of individuals who reside in state-operated facilities are assessed and community resources are developed to assist those who can appropriately transition to the community.

The Department monitors regional centers to ensure they operate in accordance with statute, regulations, and their contract with the Department.

20 - DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS PROGRAM

The Department operates four Developmental Centers: Fairview (Orange County), Lanterman (Los Angeles County-scheduled to close December 2014), Porterville (Tulare County), and Sonoma (Sonoma County). Secure treatment services are provided at Porterville Developmental Center. In addition, the Department leases one small facility for persons who require specialized behavioral interventions: Canyon Springs, a 63-bed facility in Cathedral City. Services at all facilities involve the provision of active treatment through residential and day programs on a 24-hour basis, including appropriate medical and dental care, health maintenance activities, and assistance with activities of daily living, training, education, and employment.

The primary objectives of the Developmental Centers Program include providing care, treatment, and habilitation services in the most efficient, effective, and least restrictive manner to all individuals referred to the Developmental Centers Program by the regional centers, and/or the judicial system; and providing services to individuals that ensure increased independence, maintenance or improvement of health and welfare, and enhanced personal competence and effectiveness in all areas of daily living.

The Developmental Centers Division provides central administrative and clinical management services to the four Developmental Centers and the leased small community facility to ensure the quality of services provided, compliance with state licensing and federal certification requirements, protection of consumers and staff, and maintenance of facility structures and grounds. Areas of responsibility include the development of policy and procedures for all aspects of the Developmental Centers operations, law enforcement and protective services, facility population management, program and fiscal oversight, and facilities planning and support.

35 - DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION

The objective of this program is to provide to the Department (1) overall management, planning and policy development, legal, legislative, audit, and administrative services, and (2) revenue and reimbursement collections from federal and state programs, insurance companies, and private payers for the cost of services.