10603 — Social Skills Training Services
SCOPE:
This procedure applies to all Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) Service Coordinators, Services and Supports Managers, and Psychologists for referrals for social skills training services for individuals eligible for TCRC services under the Lanterman Act. The service coordinator will pursue all possible generic resource funding such as Medi-Cal, private insurance and school services where appropriate prior to the funding of social skills.
OVERVIEW
The social skills trainer authorized by TCRC provides direct intervention services to the individual and their family, who will implement the training plan. Social Skills programs are authorized for children and young adults beginning at age 12.
EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING GOALS
Social skills services are designed to achieve Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals and objectives. Social Skills Training addresses global skill domains such as socialization, social communication and community integration; with the goal of teaching skills needed to become as socially adept as possible – to the best of their developmental level. The goals will be agreed upon by the Planning Team, are expected to be time limited and include recommended parent observation and participation. Appropriate goals for the use of these services may include but not be limited to:
- SOCIALIZATION GOALS – Playing with siblings and peers, developing friendship skills, taking care of possessions and respecting the possessions of others, respecting the opinions or perspectives of others, practicing the social skills needed to develop and maintain relationships with peers.
- SOCIAL COMMUNICATION GOALS – Simple statements of preference, reporting of health issues, and interactions to facilitate functioning safely in the home and community.
- COMMUNITY INTEGRATION GOALS – Awareness of neighborhood, playing on a team, being a member of an organized group through modeling strategies to support future community participation.
EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING SERVICES
- Respite
- ABA therapy
- ABA in home parent training
- Job preparation skills
- Mobility training
- Independent Living Skills training
- Classroom or recreation aide
- Supplemental Program Support
When such service needs are identified in the IPP, a provider with an appropriately vendored service code will be authorized.
CONCURRENT SERVICES
Behavioral interventions such as intensive behavioral intervention and social skills training typically do not occur concurrently. In cases where the provision of both services is considered, a planning team meeting will be held with the family which will include TCRC clinical team and the Services and Supports manager to agree upon all goals, objectives and strategies to be implemented in the IPP.
SOCIAL SKILL TRAINING REQUEST PROCESS
The service coordinator documents the Planning Team goals identified in the IPP and identifies appropriate contracted service provider who will assess the service need and develop a plan for services to meet the IPP goals.
IMPLEMENTATION REPORTING AND MONITORING
- Upon review and approval of services by the planning team, the service coordinator sends referral information to the service provider.
- IPP amendment is completed to reflect identified needs as discussed by the planning team.
- Service Coordinator completes an authorization for an evaluation of up to four (4) hours.
- Social skills will be authorized no more than five (5) hours per week based upon individual needs and planning team review of the assessment.
- Authorizations are written for a period of 6 months.
- Services may be provided for a maximum of up to 12 months.
If significant change occurs that requires additional training, the individual/parent may return for a “refresher” program (not to exceed 3 to 6 months in duration) to address changes in the individual’s needs. A refresher program may be authorized if the person served experiences a new developmental stage or significant life change and the planning team has determined that this service would be beneficial in addressing those needs as related to socialization. This request must be discussed and approved by the IPP team prior to implementation.
Revision Date: 11/26/25