Tri-Counties Regional Center
Eligibility - Understanding the Qualifications for Supports and Services
Person Receiving Services
Overview
Criteria for Services for Children and Adults
Every individual referred to the Regional Center is considered for provision of services according to standard criteria or reasons for need for services. Some general rules apply for age ranges, those being the Early Start category, Birth to 36 months of age, and all other persons over three years of age.
The following are general criteria for regional center services for any person:
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Any person believed to have a developmental disability, and any person believed to have a high risk of becoming the parent of a developmentally disabled infant, is eligible for initial intake and assessment services. |
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In addition, any infant having a high risk of becoming developmentally disabled is eligible for initial intake and assessment services. |
Age-Specific Criteria
Early Start (Birth to 36 months)
An infant or toddler (age 0 - 3 yrs) may be considered "at-risk" for a developmental disability if he or she has one or more problems associated with developmental delay or disability, such as low birth weight, prematurity, prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol or teratogens, or severe medical problems at birth. For more complete information, please refer to this link which will take you to a DDS web site (insert link here).
TCRC provides free Intake and Assessment services for infants and toddlers who live in the TCRC service area and who are believed to be "at-risk" for a developmental disability. Often referrals are encouraged by a child's pediatrician and may also come from a public health nurse, child care providers or a concerned parent or grandparent. An Early Start Service Coordinator will obtain information from the parent and coordinate any assessments necessary to determine eligibility. If eligible, the Service Coordinator will work with the family to coordinate early intervention services.
Persons Aged Three (3) Yrs and Older
In the state of California, the term developmental disability includes five conditions. These are mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other conditions similar to mental retardation that require treatment similar to for a person with mental retardation. A developmental disability must have occurred before age 18, continue indefinitely, and must pose a substantial disability in three or more major life areas. Decision about eligibility for services is made by a TCRC interdisciplinary team.