Intake Process Birth to 3

In order to determine your child’s eligibility, Westside Regional Center (WRC) will conduct a comprehensive intake process including evaluation of your child’s developmental level and a review of available medical records/history. The application contains all the information required for WRC to initiate the intake process.

Anyone can make a referral, including parents, legal guardians or conservators, medical care providers, neighbors, family members, foster parents, and day care providers. Professionals and concerned persons may make a referral, however, permission of the individual, parent or legal guardian is necessary. Legally ordered evaluations may come from the courts or Department of Children and Family Services.

The first step that parents may take is to discuss their concerns with their health care provider/doctor. Parents may apply for the Early Start Program by submitting an application (see below).

Within 45 days of receiving an application, WRC will take the following steps:

1. Assign an Early Start Intake Specialist to assist the family through evaluation and assessment procedures
2. Schedule and complete evaluations and assessments for the child’s development to assist in determining eligibility
3. Review all gathered information to determine if the applicant meets the criteria for eligibility
4. If an infant or a toddler is eligible for Early Start services, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed that addresses the strengths and needs of the infant or toddler, parent concerns, and identifies required Early Start services
5. If an infant or toddler is not eligible for Early Start services, the parents will be notified and informed of any appropriate community referrals and recommendations. The appeal procedures will also be explained.

Application

An application must be completed in order to assist WRC to determine eligibility for the California Early Start Program. Below you can find all the necessary forms required for WRC to initiate the evaluation process. The collection of the information on this application is required by the State of California, Department of Developmental Services. To begin the process,

1. Complete the application as accurately as possible.
2. Sign the consent for evaluation and services. The evaluation process cannot begin prior to receipt of your written consent.
3. Print out, sign, and submit the entire application and the consent form to WRC’s Early Start Intake Department.

To submit your application chose one of the following:

1. Scan the documents and send them as an EMAIL ATTACHMENT to IntakeUnder3@westsiderc.org
2. Fax the documents to (310) 258 4059
3. Mail the documents to Westside Regional Center, Intake Under Age 3, 5901 Green Valley Circle, Suite 320, Culver City, CA 90230
4. Drop all documents off with the receptionist at Westside Regional Center.

Application questions can be addressed to Sonia Garcia at (310) 258 4120. You can also find more information about California’s Early Start Program at www.dds.ca.gov/EarlyStart.

Intake Process—Children over 3 & Adults

Intake is the procedure by which data is gathered to determine eligibility for regional center services. This data includes social, medical, and psychological information. Information may come from outside sources or from in-house interviews, examinations and testing. The intake process consists of five steps, which may take up to 120 days.

1. Referral

Referrals for intake can be made by parents, legal guardians or conservators. People can refer themselves to the Regional Center if they are 18 years or older. Professionals and concerned persons may make a referral, however, permission of the individual, parent or legal guardian is necessary. Legally ordered evaluations may come from the courts or Department of Children and Family Services.

1. Social History

Once the referral is accepted, the applicant will meet with a Westside Regional Center’s Intake Counselor to begin gathering background information. This information will include health and developmental history as well as information provided by family members. At this time, the intake process will be explained, including services that may be available if the applicant is found eligible.

1. Psychological Assessment

Psychological testing may be completed by Westside Regional Center to determine if the applicant has an eligible diagnosis. Recent evaluations attained in the community may be presented for review and that information will be included in the evaluation completed at Westside Regional Center.

1. Records

Recent records concerning each applicant are needed. School evaluations, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), private assessments, and/or medical records will be requested. These records will be reviewed and possibly used in place of a WRC assessment.

1. Eligibility Determination

A multidisciplinary team meets to review all gathered information. This team determines if the applicant meets the criteria for eligibility. If the applicant is found eligible, a meeting is held with all concerned parties to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP). If the applicant is not eligible, appropriate community referrals and recommendations are made and our appeal procedures explained.

Application

An application must be completed in order to assist Westside Regional Center to determine eligibility for the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. Below you can find all the necessary forms required for Westside Regional Center to initiate the evaluation process. To begin the process,

1. Complete application as accurately as possible. The collection of the information on this application is required by the State of California, Department of Developmental Disabilities.
2. Sign the consent for evaluation and services. The evaluation process cannot begin prior to receipt of your written consent.
3. Print out, sign, and submit the entire application and the consent form to WRC’s Intake Department.

To submit your application chose one of the following:

1. Scan the documents and send them as an EMAIL ATTACHMENT to IntakeOver3@westsiderc.org
2. Fax the documents to (310) 338 9597
3. Mail the documents to Westside Regional Center, Intake Over Age 3, 5901 Green Valley Circle, Suite 320, Culver City, CA 90230
4. Drop all documents off with the receptionist at Westside Regional Center.

Application questions can be addressed to Noemi Iribe at (310) 258 4121.