What Is California’s Self-Determination Program?
Understanding your options for building a support plan that’s as unique as your child.
When Alex was 2 years old, his parents noticed he wasn’t reaching developmental milestones in the same way as other children his age. Like many families, they had questions. Was this just part of his personality? Should they be concerned? Where could they turn for help?
After speaking with their pediatrician, Alex’s family was referred to their local Regional Center. Following an evaluation, Alex became eligible for Regional Center services, and over the next few years, he began receiving early intervention and other developmental support through trusted service providers.
Those services made a meaningful difference. Alex continued learning, growing and developing new skills. His parents made relationships with therapists and service providers who celebrated his strengths and supported his progress every step of the way.
Now, at 5 years old, Alex is entering a new stage of childhood. His interests are growing. His personality is shining through. His family’s goals are evolving from simply helping him reach milestones to helping him build confidence, independence and a future filled with opportunities.
While attending a local parent workshop, Alex’s parents hear about another option they hadn’t considered before:
California’s Self-Determination Program.
It sounds promising—but it also raises a lot of questions.
How is it different from the services we’re already receiving?
Who helps us through the process?
Can we really choose our own providers?
Is it the right fit for Alex?
If you’ve found yourself asking similar questions, you’re not alone.
We’re creating a digital resource center to help families understand the self-determination program step-by-step. Throughout these guides, we’ll follow Alex’s family’s journey as they explore the program, learn how it works and discover how a person-centered approach can help build support around what matters most to their child.
What is the Self-Determination Program?
The California Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives eligible Regional Center participants greater choice and flexibility in the services and supports they receive.
Rather than beginning with a list of available programs, the Self-Determination Program begins with the individual.
Participants and their families develop a person-centered plan based on their goals, strengths, interests and support needs. They then choose the providers and services that best help them achieve those goals, while working within an approved individual budget.
The philosophy is simple: Every person’s life looks different. Their support should, too.
Why was the Self-Determination Program Created?
As Alex’s parents continue learning about the program, they realize something important.
The Self-Determination Program isn’t about replacing the services Alex has already received or suggesting one approach is better than another.
Instead, it offers eligible participants another way to plan.
Traditional Regional Center services continue to serve thousands of California families every day. The Self-Determination Program simply provides another option for families who want greater flexibility in designing supports around their child’s unique goals.
Instead of asking:
“What services are available?”
The conversation begins with a different question:
“What do we want life to look like for Alex?”
That shift changes the focus from programs to possibilities.
How is self-determination different?
As Alex’s parents compare the two approaches, they begin to see some key differences.
Traditional Regional Center Services
Services are selected through existing service models |
Provider options may be more limited |
Planning begins with available services |
Services follow established program structures |
Self-Determination Program
Supports are built around individual goals |
Families have greater flexibility when choosing providers |
Planning begins with the person’s vision for the future |
Supports are designed around a person-centered plan |
Neither approach is right for every family. The Self-Determination Program simply gives eligible participants another pathway to receive services that may better align with their goals and priorities.
What could self-determination look like?
As Alex’s family learns more, they begin thinking less about individual services and more about the future they want to help him build.
They imagine Alex becoming more confident in new environments. Making friends through activities he enjoys. Learning everyday life skills that increase his independence over time. Finding supports that build on his strengths instead of focusing only on his challenges.
Those dreams become the foundation for every decision they make moving forward. That’s the heart of the Self-Determination Program. Instead of fitting the person into existing services, the program encourages families to build supports around the life they want to create.
What happens next?
Alex’s family has decided they want to learn more.
Like many families, they’re discovering that the Self-Determination Program involves several organizations and professionals working together to help participants build and carry out their plan.
In the next guide, we’ll walk through the entire process—from learning about the program and developing a person-centered plan to choosing providers and beginning services.
Continue the Journey
The Pacific Clinics Self-Determination Resource Center is designed to guide families through every stage of the Self-Determination Program.
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✓ What Is California’s Self-Determination Program?
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How does it work?
Who’s involved?
How do I choose services?
Self-Determination Planning Checklist
As new guides are added, we’ll continue following Alex’s family’s journey and answer the questions many families have as they explore whether the Self-Determination Program is the right fit for them.
How Pacific Clinics Can Help
Once a participant’s Self-Determination plan is in place, families can begin choosing providers that align with their goals.
Pacific Clinics offers individualized supports designed to help children and families build on their strengths and work toward meaningful outcomes. Whether your goals involve communication, emotional regulation, sensory supports, community participation or greater independence, our team is here to help you turn your vision into a personalized plan.
How Pacific Clinics Can Help
Once a participant’s Self-Determination plan is in place, families can begin choosing providers that align with their goals.
Pacific Clinics offers individualized supports designed to help children and families build on their strengths and work toward meaningful outcomes. Whether your goals involve communication, emotional regulation, sensory supports, community participation or greater independence, our team is here to help you turn your vision into a personalized plan. If you have questions self-determination, please visit Neurodevelopmental Services for contact information for Pacific Clinics location near you.
