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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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For questions about the Prevention Program that are not covered here or elsewhere on this Web site, call Regional Center of Orange County’s Prevention Manager at (714) 796-5385 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
What is the difference between the Prevention Program and Early Start? The Prevention Program is a new program, established in 2009 to help babies and toddlers who may be at-risk for developmental delay, but who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Early Start program. Unlike Early Start, children in the Prevention Program do not have an entitlement to services, and services from providers other than the regional center cannot be paid for with regional center funds. Although families do not receive Regional Center funded services in the Prevention Program, the service coordinator monitors progress and accesses available resources in the community.
No. The Prevention Program was established by the Legislature to help infants and toddlers who would not otherwise be eligible for services under the Lanterman Act or under California’s Early Start program. Unlike those eligible for Lanterman and Early Start services, children in the Prevention Program are not entitled to services.
How long will it take before I know if my child is eligible for the Prevention Program?
The regional center has 45 days in which to determine eligibility. During this time period, the regional center’s Intake Department will review the child’s situation to see if he or she meets the criteria the state has set for the program.
How much do Prevention Program services cost?
There is no charge to families for the intake, assessment, case management and referral services provided by the regional center. However, should the family decide to pursue additional services, such as specific therapies for their child, the costs for those services would be paid by the family.
What is a Prevention Program Plan (PPP) and how does a parent use it?
The Prevention Program Plan is a collaborative document, prepared by the regional center coordinator in consultation with the child’s parent(s) and family. The Plan includes details of the child’s developmental status and health and, when appropriate, referrals to specific community and educational resources in Orange County. The purpose of the Plan is to provide parents with a clear picture of their child’s development and health, and to help them to access the various resources that can aid and support their child’s development.
If my child’s condition changes, will my child’s Prevention Program Plan change?
Yes. At minimum, each family must be contacted within 90 days after the development of the initial PPP, and every six months thereafter. If, while in the Prevention Program, a child begins to exhibit developmental delays, the child will be referred for evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation will be to see if the child might at that point qualify for Early Start or Lanterman Act services.
Will the regional center pay for any of the therapies my child needs?
No. While there is no charge to families for the intake, assessment, case management and referral services provided by the regional center, at this point the regional center is not funding services for children in the Prevention Program. The Prevention Program Plan may include referrals to community-based agencies or public services – commonly-referred to as “generic resources” – that may offer free or low-cost therapies. The cost for such services would be paid for by the family; however, exceptions to this policy may be reviewed.
Is there an appeals process if my child is denied eligibility for the Prevention Program?
Yes. When a child is denied eligibility, the parents are provided written notice of the denial which states the reason(s) for the denial. They are also given a copy of the eligibility factors, and informed of the appeal process.
What if my child starts to show development delays? Will he/she then be eligible for Early Start?
If a child starts to show developmental delays while in the Prevention Program he or she may become eligible for Early Start. A child that begins to exhibit developmental delays will be referred for evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation will be to see if the child might at that point qualify for Early Start or Lanterman Act services.
What happens after my child turns 3 years old, and is no longer eligible for the Prevention Program?
If the child turns 3 years old, and does not exhibit any developmental delay or disability, then he or she will no longer qualify for services through the regional center. However, a child that is diagnosed with a developmental disability with substantial delays can be referred for evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation will be to see if the child might at that point qualify for continued services through the regional center under the Lanterman Act.
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