Intake & Eligibility
Intake Department
- Office: (310) 258-4121
- Fax: (310) 338-9597
- Email: intakeoverage3@westsiderc.org
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: AGES 3 AND OLDER
Diagnoses that may qualify a person for Regional Center services include the following developmental disabilities:
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Intellectual Disability
- Epilepsy
- Conditions closely related to, or that require treatment similar to, that required for an intellectual disability
In addition, to qualify for Regional Center services, a person’s developmental disability must:
- originate prior to age 18
- be expected to continue indefinitely
- be a substantial disability as defined by Title 17, Section 54001 of the California Code of Regulations, meaning the person experiences significant limitations in three or more of the following areas:
-
- self-care
- language
- learning
- mobility
- self-direction
- capacity for independent living
- economic self-sufficiency
This definition does not include any handicapping condition that is solely psychiatric, solely a learning disability or solely physical in nature. Regional Center eligibility criteria is defined by law, in Section 4512 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code.
In addition to meeting eligibility criteria, to qualify for services through Westside Regional Center, the individual must reside in our service area. If the child lives outside of our service area, you can find the individual’s local Regional Center using the DDS Regional Center Lookup or the Regional Center Listings.
PROVISIONAL ELIGIBILITY: AGES 3 TO 4
A child who is three or four years of age may qualify for provisional eligibility for regional center services, without needing a diagnosis of developmental disability as specified in W&I Code section 4512(a)(1). Provisional eligibility for regional center services is for a child who demonstrates significant functional limitations in at least two major life activities outlined in W&I Code section 4512(a)(2). A disability solely physical in nature does not meet the eligibility criteria. It is not a requirement of provisional eligibility for a three or four-year-old child to have been served in Early Start. Similar to individuals who are eligible pursuant to W&I Code section 4512(a)(1), a child who is determined to be provisionally eligible will have an Individual Program Plan. For information about eligibility criteria, see Lanterman Act Provisional Eligibility.
If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, click here to visit our Intake Process section to learn how to apply for services.
REFERRALS FOR LANTERMAN ACT SERVICES
Anyone can make a referral, including parents, legal guardians or conservators, medical care providers, neighbors, family members, foster parents, and daycare providers. Professionals and concerned persons may make a referral, however, the permission of the parent or legal guardian is necessary. Legally ordered evaluations may come from the courts or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).