Understanding California Regional Centers
Regional Centers are the doorway to the support your family needs. Here is how they work, and how we partner with them to cover everything for you.
What is a Regional Center?
Regional Centers are nonprofit organizations that work under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. Created by California's Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, they exist to make sure individuals with developmental disabilities and their families can access the services and support they need to live full, independent lives.
There are 21 Regional Centers across California, each serving specific counties. Your Regional Center is your home base: it handles intake and eligibility, works with you to create an Individual Program Plan (IPP), and coordinates and funds the services in that plan.
That's where Feel At Home comes in. Whatever support your plan includes, we work with your Regional Center to cover what you need: help at home, personal care, everyday skill building, and community life. One caring team, one plan built around you.
From first call to everyday support
Intake & Eligibility
Contact your local Regional Center for an intake assessment. They determine eligibility for individuals whose developmental disability began before age 18.
Your Individual Program Plan
Together with your Service Coordinator, you create an IPP: a plan describing your goals and the services that will help you reach them.
Choose Your Provider
You pick the provider who delivers your services. If Feel At Home feels like the right fit, just tell your Service Coordinator you'd like a referral to us.
The Regional Centers we work with
We're honored to partner with three of California's Regional Centers, serving twelve counties across Northern California. Whichever one serves you, we cover the support you need.
San Joaquin · Stanislaus · Amador · Calaveras · Tuolumne Counties
Learn About VMRCSanta Clara · Santa Cruz · Monterey · San Benito Counties
Learn About SARCTip: each Regional Center has its own website and intake line. We're happy to share the right contact for your county, just ask.
Already with a Regional Center?
If you or your loved one already receives services through VMRC, NBRC, or SARC, getting started with us is simple: ask your Service Coordinator to refer you to Feel At Home Support Services.
Just beginning? We'll help you understand the intake process and point you to the right Regional Center for your county. No pressure, just guidance.
Get GuidanceRegional Center questions, answered
Who is eligible for Regional Center services?+
Regional Centers serve individuals with a developmental disability that began before age 18 and is expected to continue indefinitely, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and closely related conditions. Eligibility is determined by the Regional Center through an assessment.
Does it cost anything to receive services?+
Services authorized in your Individual Program Plan (IPP) are generally provided at no cost to you or your family. Your Regional Center coordinates and funds the services delivered by providers like Feel At Home.
Can I choose my service provider?+
Yes. You have the right to choose among the providers your Regional Center works with. If you'd like Feel At Home to support you, just tell your Service Coordinator.
Which Regional Center serves my area?+
Have questions about the process?
Navigating Regional Centers can feel confusing at first. We walk families through it every day. Reach out and we'll make it simple.
Send Us a Message
Share a few details and a friendly member of our team will reach out.
We'll never share your information.