SDP Resource Center
Accurate, Up-to-Date Information from the Law's Creators
SDP Resource Center
Accurate, Up-to-Date Information from the Law's Creators
(11/17/2023) Funding to Support Implementation of SDP for FY 2023/2024
November 17, 2023
DVU Brief:
Local Volunteer Advisory Committee funding
Directive
November 17, 2023
TO: REGIONAL CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
SUBJECT: FUNDING TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM
In accordance with Welfare and Institutions (W&I) Code section 4685.8(f), funds have been allocated to regional centers to support implementation of the Self-Determination Program (SDP) for fiscal year 2023-24. The purpose of this letter is to provide guidance on the use of these funds, including required collaboration with local volunteer advisory committees (LVAC) in determining local priorities for the funding.
W&I Code section 4685.8(f) specifies these funds shall be used to maximize the ability of SDP participants to direct their own lives and to ensure the department and regional centers successfully implement the program. The statute further requires that the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), in consultation with community engagement groups, including a statewide self-determination advisory workgroup, shall prioritize the use of the funds to meet the need of participants, increase service access and equity, and reduce disparities, and to implement the program, including costs associated with all the following:
- Recruitment and training of person-centered planning and Self-Directed (SD) Supports providers and independent facilitators with a focus on increasing the number of bilingual, bicultural providers;
- Joint training for participants, families, regional centers, LVAC members and others with a focus on training self-advocates and families from diverse communities that are under-represented in the SDP;
- Assistance with spending plan development; and,
- Collaborative groups/workshops to foster ongoing, shared learning and problem- solving opportunities.
DDS will provide funding separately to the Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee, which plays a key role in providing advice and guidance on successful implementation of the SDP.
The LVACs play an important role in the implementation and oversight of the SDP. Therefore, regional centers and LVACs must work collaboratively to prioritize the use of available funds to meet the needs of participants in their local area. Funds may only be expended after agreement is reached on local needs. See Enclosure A for more information on potential uses of the funds, the amount of funding available in each regional center area for fiscal year 2023-24, and suggested steps to determine the use of the funds.
If you have any questions regarding this correspondence, please contact sdp@dds.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Original signed by
VICKI L. SMITH, Ph.D.
Deputy Director
Policy and Program Development Division Enclosure
cc: Regional Center Administrators
Regional Center Directors of Consumer Services
Regional Center Community Services Directors
Association of Regional Center Agencies
State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Nancy Bargmann, Department of Developmental Services
Brian Winfield, Department of Developmental Services
Carla Castañeda, Department of Developmental Services
Ernie Cruz, Department of Developmental Services
Jim Knight, Department of Developmental Services
Suzy Requarth, Department of Developmental Services
Kathleen Dempsey, Department of Developmental Services