In the past, families have faced delays and loss of services when they moved. These supports must continue until the new regional center can hold a new IPP meeting. DDS is to develop guidelines to assure smooth transitions when consumers move. Area boards can appoint representatives Before, area boards could appoint a representative for a consumer only after the consumer asked for a fair hearing. Many consumers did not get written notice of their right to appeal, or did not fully understand their rights.
Consumers still have the right to refuse help from a representative.
Because consumers often need effective advocacy, anyone who sees that a consumer seems to need help should tell the area board. Regional centers can provide extra services As the Coffelt settlement required, DDS in 1994 issued a policy that lets regional centers fund extra staffing or supports in all types of residential settings to avoid placement in a more restrictive setting. Under SB 1039, supplemental services will be permanent. Even after the Coffelt process is complete, consumers may get services such as extra staffing when their IPP team says the services are necessary. Reports on unmet needs to aid planning Under SB 1039, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities will ask regional centers what type and amount of services and supports Californians with developmental disabilities need that are not available.