A public webinar on July 29, 2025, was held to introduce a draft of a new tool to make respite services more consistent across California. During the session, the community was invited to submit feedback on this tool by email or voicemail during the 30-day public comment period.
Following the session, more than 850 comments were submitted in multiple languages. Your input will improve the tool, so thank you!
The law states that this effort is intended to “provide more statewide uniformity and consistency and promote equity in the administrative practices and services of regional centers, consistent with the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.” When implemented, the Standardized Respite Tool will be used by all 21 regional centers.
The Department understands that a new tool is a change. Working toward equity means moving people to a consistent assessment and authorization statewide, while recognizing and adjusting for impacts on individuals and families receiving respite services. It is important to note:
- Many regional centers already use a tool to determine how many hours of respite will be authorized. The Standardized Respite Tool will create consistency in the determination of authorized hours.
- All regional centers have policies for granting exceptions for services, including respite, when an insufficient number of hours is recommended. Exceptions processes will continue to exist when the Standardized Respite Tool is implemented.
- The Standardized Respite Tool will not replace the Individualized Program Plan (IPP) process. Respite services will continue to be based on needs assessed through the IPP team planning process so they will remain person-centered.
- The Standardized Respite Tool will be used to determine the number of respite hours. It will not be used to assess other services.
- Respite services are the most commonly-used service, which is part of why equity is so important.
Finalizing the tool, educating individuals and families, and training regional center service coordinators will take time. For all of the reasons above, getting this right is more important than being done quickly.