Individual Program Planning

The Individual Program Plan (IPP) is a written document that you create with your planning team. This document should be person-centered and has information about you. It includes what is happening in your life, what is important to you and lists all your goals and future plans. The IPP will include a list of services and supports that you and your planning team agree will help you meet those goals. IPP meetings can happen as often as your needs or goals change. Your Service Coordinator will monitor this plan regularly. You may call together your planning team at any time by contacting your Service Coordinator.

Find tools and information about planning for your IPP by clicking through the tabs below.

Additional publications may be available from your local regional center.

Person-Centered IPP Videos

When planning for services and supports, each person guides the process of creating their Individual Program Plan (IPP).  Your goals and choices are the focus of the IPP. When it’s time for your IPP meeting, you and your regional center service coordinator will talk and plan with anyone else you want in the meeting. A family member, friend, or other support person could be invited to join. Together, you’ll discuss your life goals, desires, and what kinds of support you want to live your life.  This information will be used to create or update your IPP.

The video series listed below describes the person-centered planning process of creating the IPP.  The people in these videos are speaking about their own experiences. The videos are intended to support your thinking about your own life goals, desires, and supports.  You can view them in any sequence.  You also can select to view the videos with captions in English or Spanish.

What Does Person-Centered Mean?

Watch more videos in this series

Planificacion centrada el la persona IPP Videos

Al planificar servicios y apoyos, cada persona guía el proceso de crear su Plan de Programa Individual (IPP). Sus metas y elecciones son el enfoque del IPP. Cuando sea hora de su reunión del IPP, usted y el coordinador de servicios de su centro regional hablarán y planificarán con cualquier otra persona que usted desee presente en la reunión. Se puede invitar a un familiar, amigo u otra persona de apoyo. Juntos conversaran sus objectivos de vida, sus deceos y el tipo de apoyo que desea para vivir su vida. Esta información se utilizará para crear o actualizer su IPP.

La serie de videos que se enumeran a continuación describen el proceso de planificación centrado en la persona para crear el IPP. Las pesonas en estos videos estan hablando de sus propias experiencias. La intencion de los videos es apoyar su pensamiento sobre sus metas de vida, deceos y apoyos. Usted puede verlo en cualquier secuencia. Usted también puede seleccionar ver los videos con subtítulos en ingles o espanol.

¿Qué significa centrado en la persona?

Ver más vídeos de esta serie

Public Meeting & Training Information:


Community Training: New Statewide Individual Program Plan
December 5, 1:00-3:00 pm
Presentation (51 pages)
Presentación (51 pages)

Recording (1-h 57-min)

Community Training: New Statewide Individual Program Plan
December 18, 9:00-11:00 am
Presentation (51 pages)
Presentación (51 pages)

Recording (1-h 58-min)

In 2025, your regional center will start using a new format for your Individual Program Plan (IPP). To help you understand the new format and get ready for your IPP meeting, we have created a document called “Your Plan.” This guide can help you understand what a person-centered IPP is. “Your Plan” will also help you identify your preferences, strengths, and goals.

In the “Your Plan” guide, you will find:

  • An opportunity to learn about Person-Centered Planning
  • Tips for before, during and after your planning meeting
  • A workbook called “About You.” that will include:
    • Questions to help you think about the important areas of your life
    • Space for you to write down your answers to those questions

It is your choice how you want to use “Your Plan.” You can read and fill out the pages on your own. You can also ask others who know you well to help you with some parts of this guide. You may want to take pages you’ve filled out to your IPP meeting. This can help you make sure you are talking about the areas of your life that are most important to you.

Click on the picture below to view, download and print “Your Plan.”

English:
five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Spanish:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Su plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Desarrollo de su Plan de Programa Individual utilizando herramientas centradas en la persona” beneath it. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Armenian:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Armenian. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Farsi:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Farsi. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Hmong:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Hmong. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Korean:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Korean. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Simplified Chinese:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Simplified Chinese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Tagalog:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Tagalog. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Traditional Chinese:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Traditional Chinese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

Vietnamese:
Five circular photos, each depicting individuals engaged in different activities. The title “Your Plan” and the subtitle “Building Your Individual Program Plan Using Person-Centered Tools” are translated into Vietnamese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom. The five photos highlight diverse individuals, including a young woman with Down syndrome holding a tablet, a man hiking with a backpack, a woman applying makeup, a woman in a bakery preparing food, and a man harvesting vegetables in a garden. Each image is framed by a colorful circle.

In 2025, your regional center will start using a new format for your child’s Individual Program Plan (IPP). To help you and your family understand the new format and get ready for your child’s IPP meeting, we have created a document called “Your Child’s Plan” which is intended for children ages three to 13.

In the “Your Child’s Plan” guide, you will find:

  • An opportunity to learn about Person-Centered Planning
  • Tips for before, during and after your planning meeting
  • A workbook called “About Your Child.” that will include:
    • Questions to help you think about the important areas of your life
    • How to identify their preferences, strengths, and goals
    • Space for you to write down your answers to those questions

It is your choice how you want to use “Your Child’s Plan.” You can read and fill out the pages ahead of the meeting. You can also ask others who know your child well to give input on some parts of this guide. You may want to take pages you’ve filled out to your child’s IPP meeting. This can help you make sure you are talking about the areas of your child’s life that are most important to you and your family.

Click on the picture below to view, download and print “Your Child’s Plan.”

English:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Spanish:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Armenian:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Armenian. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Farsi:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Farsi. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Hmong:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Hmong. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Korean:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Korean. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Simplified Chinese:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Simplified Chinese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Tagalog:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Tagalog. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Traditional Chinese:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Traditional Chinese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Vietnamese:
A photo of a child wearing blue glasses, resting their hand on their cheek. They are sitting at a table with colored pencils and a drawing in front of them. The title “Your Child’s Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Child’s (ages 3-13) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Vietnamese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

In 2025, your regional center will start using a new format for your youth or young adult’s Individual Program Plan (IPP). To help you and your family understand the new format and get ready for your youth or young adult’s IPP meeting, we have created a document called “Your Youth’s Plan” which is intended for transition age youth and young adults ages 14 to 22.

In the “Your Youth’s Plan” guide, you will find:

  • An opportunity to learn about Person-Centered Planning
  • Tips for before, during and after your planning meeting
  • A workbook called “About Your Youth.” that will include:
    • Questions to help you think about the important areas of your youth or young adult’s life
    • How to identify their preferences, strengths, and goals
    • Space for you to write down your answers to those questions

It is your choice how you want to use “Your Youth’s Plan.” You can read and fill out the pages ahead of the meeting. You can also ask others who know your youth or young adult well to give input on some parts of this guide. You may want to take pages you’ve filled out to your youth or young adult’s IPP meeting. This can help you make sure you are talking about the areas of your youth or young adult’s life that are most important to you and your family.

Click on the picture below to view, download and print “Your Youth’s Plan.”

English:
A photo of a youth outdoors smiling and wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans sitting in a wheelchair. There is a person standing in the background looking over. The title “Your Youth's Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Youth or Young Adult's (ages 4-22) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Spanish:
A photo of a youth outdoors smiling and wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans sitting in a wheelchair. There is a person standing in the background looking over. The title “Your Youth's Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Youth or Young Adult's (ages 4-22) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Spanish. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Farsi:
A photo of a youth outdoors smiling and wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans sitting in a wheelchair. There is a person standing in the background looking over. The title “Your Youth's Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Youth or Young Adult's (ages 4-22) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Farsi. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Hmong:
A photo of a youth outdoors smiling and wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans sitting in a wheelchair. There is a person standing in the background looking over. The title “Your Youth's Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Youth or Young Adult's (ages 4-22) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Hmong. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Simplified Chinese:
A photo of a youth outdoors smiling and wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans sitting in a wheelchair. There is a person standing in the background looking over. The title “Your Youth's Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Youth or Young Adult's (ages 4-22) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Simplified Chinese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Tagalog:
A photo of a youth outdoors smiling and wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans sitting in a wheelchair. There is a person standing in the background looking over. The title “Your Youth's Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Youth or Young Adult's (ages 4-22) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Tagalog. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Traditional Chinese:
A photo of a youth outdoors smiling and wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans sitting in a wheelchair. There is a person standing in the background looking over. The title “Your Youth's Plan” appears in large text, with the subheading “Support for Building Your Youth or Young Adult's (ages 4-22) Individual Program Plan (IPP) Using Person-Centered Tools” beneath it translated into Traditional Chinese. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) logo is at the bottom.

Starting January 1, 2025, regional centers will use the new standard IPP format for all new IPP meetings. In the instance of biennial or triennial IPPs, individuals and families will have the option to transition to the new IPP format. If selecting the new IPP, regional centers must accommodate the request. By the end of 2027, all IPPs will transition to this new IPP format.

In September 2023 a new law was created that required the Department to create a standardized IPP and procedures that all regional centers will use. The new IPP, agreement form and guide for service coordinators were rolled out to regional centers on June 28, 2024. Updated information was sent to regional centers on December 5, 2024.

Correspondence to Regional Centers

IPP Animated Video Series

In collaboration with Tri-Counties Regional Center, an animated video series has been created to help adults and families understand the new standardize IPP format, the planning process and how IPPs are created. These videos can be found on TCRC’s YouTube page:

A colorful, cartoon-style illustration features five diverse characters posing together under the title

Below are samples of the IPP and Agreement and Signature Form in Microsoft Word. These show what information is needed and how it works. All regional centers will use this format to collect your information during the IPP meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions for Regional Centers

Q

Where do regional centers indicate the person’s preferred name?

AThis would be included in the Introduction area of the IPP or as selected by the individual and their planning team.

Q

Are there differences in how to write a Self-Determination Program (SDP) IPP?

AIndividuals in the SDP will have their IPP completed using the same standard format. Services and supports, such as financial management services or SDP services, should be included in the corresponding life area. An individual may also choose to include that they are interested or enrolled in the SDP in their introduction section.

Q

Where in the IPP will provisional eligibility and the need for re-determination be identified?

AThe planning team can identify where this may best be captured. An example of where it could be included would be under the Introduction Section. It could also be included in a Life Area as it relates to that individual.

Q

How would risk mitigation or forensic involvement be addressed in the IPP?

A Federal requirements state the plan should reflect any risk factors and measures in place to minimize them, including individualized back-up plans and strategies when needed. Information related to risk or forensic involvement can be included throughout the document within areas that relate to the information. For example, if an individual has a risk that generally occurs in a community setting or based on relationships with other people, the planning team may choose the corresponding Life Area in which it is most significant and describe in the narrative.

Q

How can regional centers support individuals who communicate in ways other than their speech in creating an IPP?

ARegional centers must incorporate person-centered thinking skills into the development of the IPP. An individual who does not use words to communicate or young children may show preferences through other means of communication such as facial expressions, vocalizations, posture, or behavior.

Q

Will the IPP be available in other languages?

AYes, the IPP and IPP Agreement and Signature Form will be available in 11 languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, Hmong and Russian.

Q

How can regional centers customize the IPP?

AThe regional center will be able to add logos or icons to the IPP, so long as they do not change the intent or format of the IPP.

Q

How can regional centers use the Word document to write IPPs?

AThe Word versions of the IPP is a way for the Department to show the required components of the IPP. The SANDIS version will look different than the Word versions and offer more functionality. In SANDIS, you will have the ability to select multiple options in drop down, add as many areas as needed for services and have space to write up to 9,999 characters for the narratives.

Q

Will the IPP be used for annual meetings, semi annuals, and quarterlies for regional centers that complete triennial IPP meetings?

A The IPP will be used for new IPP meetings starting January 1, 2025. Regional centers will continue to use their own existing tools for annuals, semi-annuals, quarterlies, reviews, etc. Regional centers should plan to update their existing tools to reflect the format of the new IPP.
Q

Does every Life Area added to the IPP require an outcome?

APlanning Teams should focus on the individual’s goals. The Planning Team should consider if the individual served needs more information about a Life Area, if it aligns with their Vision for the Future, and if other funding sources can support the goal. The approach has shifted from listing everything in the IPP to a more intentional, person-centered approach that continues to meet state and federal requirements.

Q

How many Life Areas are required in the IPP?

AEach individual should have at least one Life Area as part of their IPP. The Life Area(s) in the IPP should be based on discussions by the planning team and driven by the individual/family, facilitated through person-centered thinking and practices. Regional centers should not impose an arbitrary number or specific Life Areas that must be included in the IPP.

Q

Can regional centers add multiple Life Areas to the IPP?

AThe SANDIS IPP will allow for as many Life Areas to be included as necessary. There will be a requirement that at least one Life Area be selected. The service coordinator will be able to select the Life Areas the planning team has determined will be included.

Q

How detailed does the action plan (“what needs to be done” prompt) need to be?

AThe action plan should be detailed enough to inform the reader of the roles and responsibilities of members of the planning team, and the services and supports that support the outcome.

Q

Do individuals decide what sections they want included and excluded?

AYes, the individual has the choice about Life Areas to discuss. But if an individual uses a service from the regional center, the Life Area applicable to the goal that service is intended to address would need to be included in the IPP.

Q

Sometimes outcomes address multiple areas and services, is it okay to have the same outcome for multiple life areas?

AOutcomes should follow the SMARTIE framework and be specific to the Life Area in which it applies. While an outcome may carry across multiple Life Areas, the planning team should determine if a broad outcome should be applied across multiple Life Areas or should be tailored to a detail level that is reflective of a specific Life Area.

Q

What if there is not a service (regional center or generic) attached to a Life Area? Is that field mandatory?

AAll prompts included in the Life Areas are required to be completed. Though there may not be any regional center or generic service funded, planning teams can include additional details of what needs to be done to support the individual’s outcome.

Q

The individual has indicated they prefer not to talk about an issue or topic during the IPP meeting. Do assessed needs have to be documented in the IPP?

AHow an individual wants an assessed need to be discussed during the planning meeting or documented in the IPP should be driven by the individual. Certain requirements need to be met relating to the assessed needs addressed in the IPP, including; when a support is funded by the regional center or a generic recourse, if there is a safety risk or a healthcare requirement: In cases where an individual does not want to discuss or document an assessed need, a statement about not discussing the assessed need may be included in the IPP. The family could also say that natural supports are meeting the person’s needs at this time.

Q

Would the IPP narrative need to include assessment of functional needs?

AThe IPP should describe what is currently happening so that the appropriate supports can be effectively provided.

Q

During an annual review of the IPP, how should regional centers document changes in assessed needs?

AIf a new assessed need is discussed, or there is a change in an assessed need at an annual review, an amendment is required to document the new assessed need and the services and/or supports for that need.

Q

Which version of the IPP will be reviewed during a biennial HCBS monitoring review?

AHCBS monitoring review participants are selected at random, therefore it is likely the sample will include participants that have the new IPP or an IPP from a regional center’s prior version of the IPP document.

Q

Will the Standardized Annual Review Form (SARF) still be required for Annual Reviews?

AThe SARF is required for individuals who are on the HCBS 1915c waiver, both for traditional services and for the Self-Determination Program, when a new IPP is not completed at the time of the individual’s IPP annual review. The SARF will not be included as a part of the IPP Agreement and Signature Form.

Q

What Medicaid Waivers should be reflected in the IPP and where should they be indicated?

AFederal funding information will be captured on the IPP Agreement and Signature Form. The only Medicaid Waiver information required would be either HCBS 1915c (whether for traditional services or Self-Determination Program) or the 1915i State Plan Amendment. The narrative of the IPP may also include other waivers that an individual receives such as the Home and Community Based Alternatives (HCBA Waiver).

Q

How can regional centers use person-centered language to talk about assessed needs identified in the CDER?

AIt is not a requirement that the assessed need be described using the same language as in the CDER. The description of the need should reflect what is currently happening, what is important to the individual and the support they need relating to the needs identified in the CDER.

Q

When will the individual/family sign the agreement form?

ARegional centers may incorporate their current practices to collect signatures during the IPP meeting using paper or electronic documents. Once the IPP meeting is complete, regional centers will input the information from the IPP Agreement and Signature Form, including checking the Acknowledgments discussed and agreed on by the individual or family. For those using Agreement and Signature Forms in-person, the regional center may choose to generate the form beforehand or to enter the information after the meeting. Regional centers can use the IPP Agreement and Signature Form to meet the requirements of Welfare and Institutions Code section 4646(g), related to providing a list of agreed upon services at the conclusion of the IPP meeting.

Q

Who is required to sign the IPP?

AAccording to Federal regulations, the IPP should be signed by all individuals and providers responsible for its implementation. If the individual served by the regional center is under the age of 18, the parent or guardian should sign.

Q

What happens if an individual is not able to sign or read?

AThe planning team shall work together to find the most appropriate way to receive a signed IPP reflective of the individual’s circumstances and preferences.

Q

Do all the acknowledgements apply to all age groups?

AThe regional center should provide information to the planning team as appropriate based on the circumstances of the individual. The planning team should determine if information needs to be provided around areas such as employment, voter registration and transportation access for minors.

Q

Where do regional centers document Mutual Consent?

A Mutual Consent may be included in the Additional Notes section on the IPP Agreement and Signature Form, or within a Life Area of the IPP.

Q

Can regional centers create supplemental handouts or information to leave with families, like a glossary or specific information about the Acknowledgements?

ARegional centers shall not alter the format of the IPP or IPP Agreement and Signature Form but can provide additional or supplemental information to support conversations during the IPP meeting.

Q

When can a regional center use an Amendment?

AFor amendments to the IPP, SANDIS will have the functionality to allow the service coordinator to select and be able to amend specific fields or Life Areas. For the IPP Agreement and Signature Form, if amendment is selected, a separate Amendment IPP Agreement and Signature Form would be available, and the acknowledgements would not have to be reviewed again.

Q

If a current IPP is for 3 years and an amendment is needed, does the regional center only need to check amendment and then update those few areas that really have changed?

AYes, SANDIS will allow for specific Life Areas to be amended in an IPP. Current IPPs not yet entered in the new format will have the ability to follow the original IPP format until a new IPP is created.

Q

Will the survey be offered in multiple languages?

AYes, the survey will be available in 11 languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, Hmong and Russian.

Q

How does the individual/family receive the survey?

AInformation regarding the IPP survey is included on the IPP Agreement and Signature Form and can be accessed through a QR code, by mail, phone, or email.

Q

Should the survey be completed following the meeting, or once the IPP has been typed?

AThe IPP survey is optional and can be completed at any time.

Q

Will survey results be shared with regional centers?

ACompleted surveys will come directly to the Department. Survey results will be used to gauge individual and family satisfaction with their IPP experience and to determine if regional centers need additional technical assistance with the IPP process.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Community

Q

Where can I see a copy of the new IPP format?

AThe new IPP Format is available for everyone to view on the Department of Developmental Services (Department) website, on the IPP webpage, under the Sample Forms tab: Individual Program Planning: CA Department of Developmental Services.

Q

Can I ask my regional center for a printed copy of the IPP before the meeting or to review during the meeting?

AYes. You may request a copy of your current IPP from your service coordinator at any time.   You can also ask for a printout of the new IPP format before your upcoming IPP meeting.

Q

Will I use the new IPP format at my quarterly or annual review meeting?

AAll regional centers are required to use the new IPP format for any new IPP’s beginning January 1, 2025.  This includes anyone new to regional center services, or any IPP that is newly developed after January 1, 2025.  Regional centers use their own reporting tools for annuals, semi-annuals and or quarterly reviews.

Q

Who monitors whether the goals on the IPP are being implemented?

ADesired outcomes documented in the IPP are monitored by the Service Coordinator.  If anyone else will monitor the goals or desired outcomes their names and role will be listed in the IPP.

Q

How will the success of using standardized IPPs be measured?

AThe data from the optional survey for individuals and families on the IPP Agreement and Signature Form is one way the Department will measure the success of the new IPP format.

Q

Based on the new IPP format, are IPPs now limited to four pages?

AThe length of the IPP varies depending on the content unique to the individual, not the format.

Q

How are different ages accounted for in a standardized IPP?

AThe new IPP includes flexibility for the planning team to determine how to best capture the Life Areas and outcomes based on the individual’s age-related needs.  Resources are available to help planning teams think about the needs based on various age groups. The resources include: Your Plan, Your Child’s Plan and Your Youth’s Plan.

Q

Will there also be a format for Individual Service Plans (ISP) that service providers can use for consistency?

AService Providers will continue to be responsible for the format of the ISP used in their agency.  However, service providers who sign the individual’s IPP agree to assist with reaching the specific goal or desired outcome associated with their service in the person’s IPP, and the ISP should be built upon those same desired outcomes from the IPP.

Q

Where would you find a list or history of any behaviors or health and safety concerns?

AThe IPP is intended to have information about what is currently happening in a person’s life.  Past history of health, safety and other areas would be included in assessments done previously, assessment reports written by professionals, and possibly in prior IPP documents.

Q

Where would you document when someone needs support to overcome behavior challenges?

ASupport(s) needed by an individual can be included in the section called “What needs to be done” or in the “What’s important for the person” under the selected Life Area.  If a person’s history of behaviors were related to how they communicate, about their feelings for example, the support they receive could also be listed in the communication section.  The IPP should reflect any risk factors and measures in place to minimize them including individualized plans and strategies when needed.  The planning team may choose a corresponding Life Area in which a specific need or concern best fits and describe in the narrative.

Q

Will the service provider’s name be listed on the IPP Form or IPP Agreement and Signature page?

AService Provider names may be included in the IPP and will be listed on the IPP Agreement and Signature form.

Q

If my next IPP meeting is not until October 2025, when will I get to see the new IPP format for my IPP meeting?  

ASince the new IPP format started being used January 1, 2025, the new IPP format will be used at your next scheduled IPP meeting.

Q

Are there suggestions for using this new IPP format when my son/daughter doesn’t use words to communicate?

ARegional centers must incorporate person-centered practices into the development of the IPP.  Person-centered practices include finding ways to listen to individuals who communicate in many ways other than with words or through talking.  An individual who does not use words to communicate may show preferences through other means of communication such as facial expressions, vocalizations, posture, or behavior.  Regional centers may encourage you and/or your son or daughter in the planning process to continue to communicate in meaningful ways.  Refer to Your Plan, Your Child’s Plan and Your Youth’s Plan guides for more information about discussing communication during the IPP.

Q

Where will my In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) services be listed in the new IPP format?

AInformation on IHSS and any other generic resources will be listed on the IPP Agreement and Signature form.  IHSS and any other resources or supports can also be included in the narratives on the IPP template.

Q

Why did the Department create a new IPP format for all regional centers to use?

AThe Department established a workgroup called the Regional Center Performance Measures workgroup in Fall of 2021.  That workgroup was asked to identify areas where standardized regional center activities were important to the community.  Creating person-centered IPPs was one area identified by the workgroup as very important.  In addition, the federal government has expectations that all HCBS Medicaid Waiver funded services use a person-centered process to develop service plans.

Q

Can I request my meeting via Zoom?

AYes, IPP meetings can be held remotely, per Welfare and Institutions Code, section 4646(f)(1)(2).  Please note, an in-person meeting must occur every 12 months between the service coordinator and the individual.  The meeting should be at a location and time convenient for the person, their family member, or representative.

Q

Can I request to record the IPP Meeting?

AWelfare and Institutions Code, section 4646.6 outlines the rights to record electronically the IPP meeting.  You must notify the regional center 24 hours before the meeting that you will be recording the meeting.

Q

Can I request other people attend my IPP meeting?

AYes, you may invite anyone you would like to participate in your IPP meeting.  You can ask people to participate in one part of your meeting, or your whole meeting.  Your Service Coordinator or a regional center representative must attend the IPP meeting so that they can develop the IPP document, and make sure any regional center funded services are authorized to a qualified service provider or vendor.  

Q

What is an assessed need?

A An assessed need is what you and your planning team will talk about to help you identify your goals and the services and supports that will help you meet your goals.   You and your planning team will learn what needs you have by filling out a set of questions that are the same for everyone who gets regional center services.  These questions are called an assessment, and in California it is called Client Development Evaluation Report or CDER.  Your service coordinator will help you and your planning team update it with each new IPP.  Based on the results of that assessment, you and your planning team will make decisions together about your needs for support.  That will help you decide what services will help you achieve your desired life outcomes.

Q

Do I have to talk about my assessed needs during my IPP meeting?

ADuring IPP meetings there may be topics you may only want to discuss with certain people on your planning team. However, if there is a regional center funded service or support identified, a discussion will need to happen which will also need to include your service coordinator.  

Q

What if I don’t want to talk about private issues or medical concerns at my IPP meeting?

AIf there are private issues or medical concerns you don’t want to discuss, you don’t have to.  You can choose what information will be talked about at your meeting and who will be there for each topic. Your Service Coordinator can help you plan ahead to make sure your privacy is respected while making sure your needs are addressed.  Everyone on your planning team, including you and the regional center, will work together to agree on your services and supports and desired outcomes that will be included in your IPP.  

Q

Are the generic resources I have required to be documented in my IPP?

AIt is a requirement to include the generic resources that provide services and supports for the identified assessed needs discussed in your IPP.  Talking about the generic resources helps the IPP planning team understand what resources you do have and will assist in the planning of your IPP using the services and supports provided by both the regional center and other resources.  

Q

What happens if an IPP was requested more than 30 days ago, and the regional center has not scheduled a meeting?

AIf you requested an IPP meeting more than 30 days ago and your Service Coordinator has not yet scheduled the meeting, the Department recommends you connect with your Service Coordinator and other members of your team at the regional center to request the meeting be scheduled and explain why it has not yet been scheduled.  If you feel your rights have not been upheld, you can find more about the complaints process here: Consumer Rights, Appeals & Complaints : CA Department of Developmental Services.

Q

Will my IPP be filled out before, during or after the meeting?

A The information that will be included in your IPP is discussed and agreed to by the planning team during the IPP meeting.   Most regional centers then record the information on the actual IPP document after the planning team meeting is concluded.   Even if the IPP is written later, it will reflect the areas discussed and agreements made by the planning team. You can request a copy of the IPP in your preferred language.

Q

Who has to sign the IPP?

AAccording to Federal regulations, the IPP should be signed by all individuals and providers responsible for its implementation.  If the individual served by the regional center is under the age of 18, the parent or guardian should sign.

Q

Are there two standardized IPPs, one for people who use traditional services and one for people enrolled in the Self-Determination Program (SDP)?

AThe standardized IPP will be used for everyone, including those in the SDP.

Q

Does the person-centered IPP replace my person-centered plan in SDP?

AThe person-centered IPP does not need to replace your person-centered plan if you are enrolled in the Self Determination Program.  The person-centered IPP does not replace an initial person-centered plan for individual’s transitioning into the SDP.  The person-centered plan helps to inform the IPP.

Q

Will there be printed copy of the workbooks available?

AYou can talk to your Service Coordinator about getting printed copies of Your Plan, Your Child’s Plan or Your Youth’s Plan.  The digital versions are posted on the Department’s website: Individual Program Planning: CA Department of Developmental Services.

Q

What are the age ranges of each guide?

AYour Child’s Plan was made for children between the ages of 3 to 13.
Your Youth’s Plan was made for youth and young adults between the ages of 14 to 22.
Your Plan was was made for adults who are 22 years old and older.

Please keep in mind these are general guides for the age groups.  If you or your family member are close to 13 years of age, you may want to begin looking at Your Youth’s Plan, and the same for 22-year-olds, as either of the guides might be helpful for a few years.  

Q

Does everyone have access to view the IPP Guide for Regional Centers?

AYes, it is available online for anyone to read but the information is intended as a guide for regional center staff to assist them when completing the IPP in the new format.  You can read the entire guide here: C-2024-Case Management-002 Attachment C Individual Program Plan Guide for Regional Centers


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Last modified: June 12, 2025