Updates to Regional Center Individualized Program Plans (IPPs)

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) launched a new Individual Program Plan (IPP) template on January 1, 2025. All new Regional Center clients get started with the new format, while existing Regional Center clients can choose to transition at their upcoming annual IPP meeting if they wish. DDS plans to transition all IPPs to the new format by the end of 2027, including all clients in the Self-Determination Program (SDP). According to Krystyne McComb, Assistant Deputy Director of Communication, the change only applies to IPPs, not IFSPs.

One reason for the new IPP format is so that all Regional Centers across the state have one standardized template that they use. (The state passed a law in 2023 requiring a standardized format and sent guidance about the new format to all Regional Center coordinators in 2024.)

All IPPs under the new format must include these sections:

• Introduction (your child’s strengths and key information)
• How This Plan Was Developed (details of the meeting itself
• Vision for the Future (short-term and long-term goals for your child)
• Communication (how your child prefers to communicate)
• Decision-Making (people who help your child make decisions and to what extent)
• Life Areas (categories for your child’s goals and the supports they need to accomplish those goals; at least one but no upper limit)
• Emergency Planning (how to keep your child safe and healthy during an emergency, plus emergency contact information)
• Services and Supports (who/what/where/when/how information about all your child’s services from generic resources and Regional Center)
• Agreement of Services (where you note your agreement or disagreement to the services offered)
• Acknowledgments (a review of your rights and other resources that can help you)
• Signatures (signed by you/the child’s legal guardian and your service coordinator)

Another important purpose of the new format is to make sure the whole IPP process is guided by person-centered planning. In its guidance to Regional Centers, DDS says, “Rooted in the principles of empowerment, choice, and dignity, person-centered planning prioritizes the unique needs and preferences of each individual, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes related to their care and support.”

To help families transition to the new format, DDS released two guides that act as workbooks where families can fill in information as they read about the IPP process and their children’s rights:

• Your Child’s Plan (ages 3–13)
• Your Youth’s Plan (ages 14–22)

DDS notes that filling out these guides is completely optional, but you can bring the guide to your next IPP meeting. You can also ask your child’s teachers, providers, and other trusted individuals to contribute to the guide, which can provide insights during your next IPP meeting. The guides have sections where you can describe your child’s strengths, long-term goals, and supports that work best for them (similar to Undivided’s “All About Me” if you’ve already created one for your child).

Two key sections in the guides that will steer the IPP going forward:

• What is important to your child? Think about your child’s favorite people, places, and things, from their perspective.
• What is important for your child? Think about people, places, and things that help your child stay safe and healthy while building independence.

DDS and Tri-Counties Regional Center have also prepared a video series for families transitioning to the new IPP format, available on YouTube in English and Spanish.

What questions do you still have about the new IPP format? We’re here to help demystify Regional Center services and make sure your child can get the support they need!