When should I file a 4731 complaint against Regional Center?

If your child is currently a Regional Center client, you can file a Section 4731 complaint if you feel that the Regional Center has violated your child’s rights under the Lanterman Act. Download and fill out the Section 4731 complaint form and send it to your Regional Center’s director. They have 20 working days to respond. This type of complaint is used specifically for violations of your child’s rights, as opposed to the fair hearing process, which is for disputes about your child’s services and supports.

For example, if you request a service or an IPP meeting and your service coordinator doesn’t respond despite multiple attempts to reach them and their supervisor, you may want to file a Section 4731 complaint. However, if you request a service and the Regional Center sends you a written notice of action (NOA) denying the service, then you would use the fair hearing process.

If you disagree with the Regional Center director’s response, you can submit your complaint to the Director of the Department of Developmental Services within 15 working days, and they have 45 calendar days to respond.