Person-Centered Planning
1. Pre-Planning for Person-Centered Planning
In one or more meetings, the facilitator gets to know the participant and their support circle in preparation for the Person-Centered Planning meeting. Together, they determine what topics should be covered, who to invite, and what accommodations might be needed to ensure full participation.
This service is funded by the Regional Center during the transition into the Self-Determination Program.*
2. Person-Centered Meeting
This meeting focuses on the participant’s strengths, preferences, and vision for their life. The team listens to the participant’s hopes and goals while avoiding discussion of deficits or other people’s preferences. The tone is positive, and the participant is addressed directly.
This service is funded by the Regional Center during the transition into the Self-Determination Program.*
3. Creation of a Person-Centered Plan (PCP)
Using information gathered during the pre-planning and Person-Centered meetings, the facilitator writes a clear and detailed Person-Centered Plan. This document outlines the participant’s goals, desired lifestyle, relationships, daily activities, and long-term aspirations. It includes the supports needed to achieve those goals and aligns with the IPP. It may also highlight unmet needs or changes in circumstances that could support requests for additional services.
Although optional, creating a Person-Centered Plan is strongly recommended. However, it’s important to note that the PCP is not a legal document; the Individual Program Plan (IPP) is. For any service to be approved and funded, it must be tied to an established IPP goal.
This service is funded by the Regional Center during the transition into the Self-Determination Program.*
Pre-Enrollment Transition Support
1. Attend IPP
The Independent Facilitator attends one or more Individual Program Plan (IPP) meetings to present the Person-Centered Plan and advocate for services that align with the participant’s goals. The team will also review the participant’s 12-month expenditure history and discuss any new or unmet needs and significant changes that should be reflected in the individual budget.
This service is funded by the Regional Center during the transition into the Self-Determination Program.*
2. Negotiate the Individual Budget
The individual budget is based on the value of services the Regional Center authorized over the previous 12 months. If unmet needs or changes in circumstances are identified in the IPP process, the budget may be adjusted. The Independent Facilitator assists in advocating for services that meet the participant’s current needs.
This service is funded by the Regional Center during the transition into the Self-Determination Program.*
3. Create a Spending Plan
Once the budget is approved, the Independent Facilitator helps create the Spending Plan. This plan outlines how funds will be used to meet the participant’s IPP goals, detailing services, supports, and associated costs—including employee benefits, payroll taxes, insurance, and facilitator fees (if chosen). The spending plan must remain within the approved budget and comply with all legal requirements. It is reviewed by the Regional Center and attached to the IPP.
This service is funded by the Regional Center during the transition into the Self-Determination Program.*
4. Other Supports
In addition to the services outlined above, Independent Facilitators may also assist with coordinating how services and supports are delivered. This includes supporting participants find and hire qualified staff or agency providers, negotiating pay rates, and understanding the requirements for criminal background checks when applicable. Facilitators can offer basic guidance on who may be paid to provide services, how to set clear expectations and work schedules, and how to manage and submit time claims appropriately. Independent Facilitators should provide information about the three different Financial Management Service (FMS) models. Support may also include coaching on staff onboarding and training. Furthermore, facilitators help participants understand and manage their 12-month Self-Determination Program (SDP) budget through the spending plan. This includes education on generic resources to stretch SDP funds, guidance on budget certification, and the development and tracking of monthly expenditures. Participants also receive support in understanding state and federal rules on the use of SDP funds and in maintaining communication between the Regional Center, Financial Management Service (FMS), and support staff.
This service is funded by the Regional Center during the transition into the Self-Determination Program.*
Ongoing Independent Facilitation Services
After entering the Self-Determination Program, a participant may choose to receive Ongoing Independent Facilitation Services. These supports are optional and may include:
Monitoring spending and ensuring accuracy
Collaborating with the Financial Management Service (FMS)
Making revisions to the spending plan
Identifying and securing generic resources
Assisting with staff recruitment and management
Negotiating costs for services and supports
Coordinating communication with the support team
Helping the participant achieve the goals in their Person-Centered Plan
Preparing for the following year’s planning cycle, including IPP meetings, budget negotiations, and spending plan development
This service is paid by the FMS from the participant’s individual budget. The participant’s budget cannot be increased to cover the cost of an Independent Facilitator.
*The Independent Facilitator is paid for the above-mentioned services through the Regional Center during the transition phase until the participant enters the Self-Determination Program (for the first time only). Assistance from an Independent Facilitator once the participant is in the Self-Determination Program is paid for by the Financial Management Service (FMS) out of the participant’s budget. The budget can not be increased to cover the cost of an Independent Facilitator.