Social Recreation, Camping and Non-Medical Therapies Policy – 12301

Social recreation, camping, and non-medical therapies are services and supports aimed at promoting social interaction and inclusion, shared interests, relationship building, social networks, and/or community ties. These services are available to individuals and may include, but are not limited to, art, dance, music, camping, or other community integrated activities (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 4688.22).

All individuals who are eligible to receive regional center services may request services and supports through the Individual Program Plan (IPP) process. The IPP process will determine on an individual basis the appropriate service(s). Agreed-upon services must be documented in the IPP and pertain to an identified goal. Services must be integrated, age-appropriate, and inclusive of people of all abilities and backgrounds, or contribute to participation in these activities in the future.

The regional center will refer individuals and families to cost-effective, existing community-based resources. When funding services directly, the IPP team may consider individualized services or one-on-one services, including private lessons and supports the individual may need to access them. While individualized services or private lessons may not directly provide socialization, participation should support the acquisition of skills that promote community inclusion and future socialization opportunities. Funding for transportation to access these services will be determined by need during the IPP process.

Delivery of social recreation, camping, and non-medical therapies may be through participant-directed services. The regional center may use a financial management service (FMS) when authorizing social recreation, camping and non-medical therapies if the provider is not vendored by a regional center and the identified service primarily is delivered to the general population.

Funding of these services will not be restricted to services that are specialized and/or intended to mitigate a developmental disability or required to meet both a recreation and social need. The regional center will not require: (1) an exchange of respite or any other authorized regional center service or support, (2) In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) to be exhausted, or (3) the individual or family to pay a copayment. Services will be agreed to at the IPP; however, the regional center generally will not prohibit or disfavor purchase of social recreation, camping and non-medical therapies services.

Exception Policy

Tri-Counties Regional Center recognizes that some individual needs are so unique that they may not be addressed in this Service Policy and may require an exception.  Such requests for an exception to a Service Policy will be made through the Planning Team Process.

Approved:

TCADD Board: 7/10/26