Who We Are

Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) is one of twenty-one non-profit regional centers in California providing life-long services and supports for people with developmental disabilities in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

Eligibility for Services

The Early Start program is for infants, birth to 36 months. Infants and toddlers (age 0 to 36 months) who are at risk of having developmental disabilities or who have a developmental delay may also qualify for services. The criteria for determining the eligibility of infants and toddlers is specified in Section 95014 of the California Government Code. In addition, individuals at risk of having a child with a developmental disability may be eligible for genetic diagnosis, counseling and other prevention services. 

Provisional Eligibility

Provisional eligibility is for children ages birth to age 5. To be eligible, the child has significant functional limitations in at least two major life areas and the disability that is not solely physical in nature, as determined by a regional center and as appropriate to the age of the child would be eligible for TCRC’s provisional program.

Lanterman Eligibility

To be eligible for services, a person must have a developmental disability that begins before the person’s 18th birthday, be expected to continue indefinitely and present a substantial disability as defined in Section 4512 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. Eligibility is established through diagnosis and assessment performed by regional centers.

The Referral Procedure

Parents, guardians and conservators, or a person over age 18, can begin by contacting the local office. An “inquiry” can be started by speaking with an Intake Service Coordinator or the On Duty Service Coordinator in each office. Professionals and other interested parties may also refer. The Intake Service Coordinator collects basic information, and then arranges to meet in person to complete an assessment for eligibility.

Understanding Assessment

The Intake Service Coordinator obtains information from a variety of sources, including the applicant, family members, advocates and service providers. The purpose of intake is to assist families in understanding the nature of their situation and to determine whether a person is eligible for services. If it is determined that a person is eligible, future meetings will be established to develop a Person Centered Individual Program Plan. 

Person Centered Individual Program Plans

Building upon a foundation of hopes and dreams for the future as well as an assessment of the person’s needs, preferences and life choices, the Person Centered Individual Program Plan states specific objectives to develop competencies and achieve personal goals in the areas of community participation, housing, work, school and leisure time. The plan includes a special section describing those services and supports necessary to maintain the child at home. The plan is written with input from the person with a developmental disability, parents, Service Coordinators and a wide circle of friends and relatives.

Service Coordination

Service coordination assures the successful implementation of the Individual Program Plan. It may be provided by regional center staff or by another trained person. 

How We Work 

We use person centered thinking principles in our work with persons served as well as in our relationships with colleagues and community partners. We live by our mission and vision, adhere to our Code of Ethics, exceed requirements of our performance contract with the state and implement our own Strategic Performance Plan. Most of our staff are Service Coordinators who work out of seven regional offices.

The Foundation of Our Work

The Lanterman Act is part of the Welfare and Institutions Code that regulates supports and services to the developmentally disabled. It states that individuals with developmental disabilities have a right to services and supports to help them live independent and productive lives.

Our Take on Ethics

TCRC is committed to acting with honesty, integrity, and professionalism in everything it does. This builds trust within the organization and in the communities it serves. The Board of Directors and staff work together to provide the highest possible value and support for the people served by TCRC, their families, and community members.

Organizations Affected by Lanterman

The Lanterman Act contains provisions for how the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS), which is part of the Health and Human Services Agency, is organized and how it functions. It also includes provisions that govern Developmental Centers (state hospitals), regional centers and State Council.

How We Are Monitored

TCRC is funded and monitored by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), with oversight by Tri-Counties Association for the Developmentally Disabled Inc. (TCADD). The regional center is guided by both a Performance Contract with DDS and a Strategic Performance Plan.

Cost of Services

There is no cost for TCRC services. The Annual Family Program Fee and Family Cost Participation programs ended.

The Services Needed

The types of services purchased include funds for living arrangements, day program services, transportation, respite, medical and non-medical services and supports. Additional services include speech/language, occupational and physical therapy, counseling services, clinical psychology, psychiatry, behavior management consultation, home health services, nursing, special training for parents, adaptive equipment, medical equipment or supplies and pharmaceutical services. Generic resources and insurance coverage shall be accessed first.

Developmental Services System

STATE SERVICES SYSTEM 

Legislature

Governor

Health & Welfare Services Agency

Social Services

Health Services

Developmental Services

  Regional Centers  

Developmental Centers

Rehabilitation

Mental Health

Public Health

FEDERAL PLANNING & ADVOCACY SYSTEM

State Council

Area Boards

Disability Rights California (DRC)

STATE / LOCAL EDUCATION SYSTEM

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Department of Education

Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs)

Local School districts