What is an Independent Facilitator (IF)?
“Independent facilitator” means a person, selected and directed by the participant, who is not otherwise providing services to the participant pursuant to their IPP and is not employed by a person providing services to the participant. The independent facilitator may assist the participant in making informed decisions about the individual budget, and in locating, accessing, and coordinating services and supports consistent with the participant’s IPP. The independent facilitator is available to assist in identifying immediate and long-term needs, developing options to meet those needs, leading, participating, or advocating on behalf of the participant in the person-centered planning process and development of the IPP, and obtaining identified services and supports. The cost of the independent facilitator, if any, shall be paid by the participant out of the participant’s individual budget. An independent facilitator shall receive training in the principles of self-determination, the person-centered planning process, and the other responsibilities described in this paragraph at the independent facilitator’s own cost. 4685.8(c)(2)
What are roles of an IF?
Independent facilitators, as defined in Welfare & Institutions (W&I) Code §4685.8(c)(2), are people who are selected and directed by the participant and who
are able to provide assistance in the following ways:
- Assisting the individual with making informed decisions regarding their
individual budget;
- Locating, accessing and coordinating services and supports consistent
with the participant’s Individual Program Plan (IPP);
- Identifying immediate and long-term needs and developing options to meet
those needs;
- Leading, participating, and/or advocating on behalf of participants in the
person-centered planning process and development of the IPP; and,
- Obtaining identified services and supports.
What are the requirements of an IF?
An individual who serves as an independent facilitator is required to receive training, at his or her own cost, in:
- The principles of self-determination;
- The person-centered planning process; and,
- The other responsibilities described above under “Roles of an Independent Facilitator”.
Selecting an IF:
If an SDP participant chooses to hire one or more independent facilitators, the costs for those services are negotiated between the independent facilitator and the participant, and are paid from the participant’s individual budget. Participants decide what services they need from a facilitator and may choose to have more than one facilitator that fulfill different roles. The individual’s budget shall not be increased to cover the cost of the independent facilitator(s).
If a participant chooses not to hire an independent facilitator, the participant may use his or her regional center service coordinator to provide the services identified under “Roles of an Independent Facilitator”. Participants should choose an independent facilitator with whom they feel comfortable, and one who understands their needs and knows their community. Although certification of independent facilitators is not required, some training providers may issue a certificate or something similar to those who complete training. This may help participants in verifying the extent of training received by the facilitator. Sample interview questions provided during SDP orientation may be used by participants to help in choosing an independent facilitator.