Frequently Asked Questions

An Independent Facilitator, or IF, is a person you choose to help you understand, plan, and navigate California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP). An IF works for you and helps you make informed choices and have more control over your services and supports. They can offer three different support services: person centered planning, pre-enrollment to SDP Support, and ongoing support once you are in SDP.

No. You are not required to have an IF to participate in SDP. You can manage the process yourself, get help from people you trust, use your Regional Center Service Coordinator, or choose to hire an IF for additional support. Your Service Coordinator is unable to assist you with finding services, setting rates, or scheduling employees.

Depending on what you need, an IF can help you understand SDP, prepare for meetings, develop your person-centered plan and spending plan, identify services and supports, find providers, understand your budget, communicate with your Regional Center and FMS, and help you navigate challenges.
Your IF should focus on building your knowledge and ability to direct your own services, not taking over the process.

An IF cannot make decisions for you, approve your individual budget or spending plan. They cannot authorize services, or control your SDP funds. Those responsibilities belong to you and the Regional Center.
An IF should also not guarantee that a Regional Center or FMS will approve a particular service or expense.

Your Service Coordinator (SC) works for the Regional Center and has responsibilities required by law and Regional Center policy.
An Independent Facilitator works for you. You choose your IF and decide what you want their help with. An IF can provide additional support while helping you communicate and work with your Regional Center, FMS, and other members of your team.

Choosing an IF is a personal decision. Look for someone who understands SDP, communicates clearly, respects your choices, and has experience that matches the type of help you need.
Talk with more than one IF if possible. Ask about their experience, services, availability, rates, and how they work with participants before deciding.

Ask about their SDP experience, training, services, rates, availability, and communication style. You may also want to ask how they handle billing, disagreements, confidentiality, and potential conflicts of interest.
Most importantly, ask how they will help you stay in control of your SDP.

Independent Facilitators are not licensed or certified by the State of California as a profession. Requirements may differ depending on how the IF is providing services and being paid.
The Cal-IF logo means more than membership. It identifies an Independent Facilitator who has met Cal-IF’s standards for professional experience, training, and ongoing practice in California’s Self-Determination Program.
Cal-IF members have demonstrated hands-on experience supporting SDP participants, completed Independent Facilitator training, committed to continued learning and community involvement, and agreed to follow the Cal-IF Code of Conduct and Ethics.
When you see the Cal-IF logo, you know the Independent Facilitator has made a commitment to experience, professionalism, accountability, and ethical practice.

IF services are always paid by the Regional Center. Before you enroll in the SDP Program, they will be paid through an IPP addendum. Once you are in SDP, you will add them to your spending plan. Important to note is that your budget cannot be increased for the Independent Facilitator costs.

Independent Facilitators may have different rates based on their experience and the services they provide. Ask about the IF’s rate and billing practices before agreeing to services.
You should understand what you are paying for, how you will be billed, and how those costs affect your individual budget.

Yes. A written agreement helps make sure everyone understands what services will be provided.
The agreement should clearly explain the services, rates, billing practices, communication expectations, confidentiality, and how either party can end the working relationship.

You do. SDP is based on self-determination and participant choice.
Your IF can explain options, provide information, help you plan, and support you in communicating your choices. Your IF should not make decisions for you or take control of your SDP.
Regional Centers and FMS agencies also have responsibilities for ensuring that services and spending meet applicable SDP requirements.

You should expect a Cal-IF member to treat you with respect, communicate honestly, protect your privacy, clearly explain their services and fees, avoid inappropriate conflicts of interest, and support your choices and self-determination.
Cal-IF members are expected to follow Cal-IF’s professional and ethical standards.

Yes. Your IF works for you. If the relationship is no longer meeting your needs, you can choose another IF or decide that you no longer want IF services.
Review your agreement so you understand any requirements for ending services, outstanding invoices, records, or transition responsibilities. If you are changing IFs, good communication can help prevent disruptions.

Start by talking with your IF when you feel comfortable doing so. Many concerns can be resolved by clarifying expectations, communication, services, or billing.
If your IF is a Cal-IF member and you would like additional help, you can submit a Request for Cal-IF Assistance. Cal-IF can review the situation, hear from those involved, and help identify possible next steps or resolution when appropriate.
Cal-IF’s assistance process applies to Cal-IF members and cannot resolve concerns involving Regional Centers, FMS agencies, or other providers that are not Cal-IF members.