Member Information

Dedicated to the Promotion of Professional Independent Facilitation
Our Members
Our membership is open to those who are interested and are committed professionals that want to ethically and responsibly support participants throughout California. Our members are dedicated to reducing barriers and disparity through professional independent facilitation. We also have a Cal-IF process that identifies individuals who are performing at the level of a Professional Independent Facilitator and have agreed to operate by the Cal-IF Code of Ethics. They have demonstrated qualifications for certification and are committed to ongoing professional development. If you are interested in becoming a Cal-IF member, please download and complete the following application, and submit it by clicking the button below.
Individual Membership Criteria
-Owns and operates proprietary Independent Facilitator business
-Works as a professional Independent Facilitator with non-family member clients or within the SDP Program at the Regional Center or DDS for at least one year.
-Demonstrates their professional experience in the field by:
Option A:
- Has supported at least 10 clients through the entire transition process into the Self Determination Program, including development of a Person Centered Plan, spending plan, FMS selection, to entering SDP
- Has supported at least 7 ongoing clients in Self Determination Program for at least six months
Option B:
- Has supported at least 10 clients through the renewal process into a subsequent Self Determination year.
- Has supported at least 7 ongoing clients in Self Determination Program for at least six months
- Has an IF certificate from a reputable training agency
-Proactive learner and interested in gaining more education and experience
-Involvement in community at large (other IF meetings, LVAC, related meetings/positions held)
-No prior known violations of Cal IF Code of Conduct and Ethics or appropriate remediation followed if a violation has occurred
-Demonstrate continued commitment to follow Cal IF’s Code of Conduct and Ethics
Cost: $125 per year
Any member in good standing can be a part of any committees within Cal IF and be chosen to serve on the board.
Agency Membership Criteria
-Existing business providing professional Independent Facilitator services with at least one employee who is not an owner.
-Provides professional Independent Facilitator services to non-family member clients for at least one year.
-Agency as a whole has supported at least 10 clients through the entire transition process into the Self Determination Program, including development of a Person Centered Plan, spending plan, FMS selection, to entering SDP
-Agency as a whole has supported at least 10 ongoing clients in Self Determination Program for at least one year
-Owner(s)/operators have an IF certificate from a reputable training agency
-Employees of the agency may be in training prior to receiving their certificate
-Owner(s) provide mentorship, training, and supervision for employees
-Proactive learners and interested in gaining more education and experience; owners and/or employees seek out additional training.
-Involvement in community at large (other IF meetings, LVAC, related meetings/positions held)
-No prior known violations of Cal IF Code of Conduct and Ethics or appropriate remediation followed if a violation has occurred
-Demonstrate continued commitment to follow Cal IF’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. Owner(s) is responsible for any violations of employees within their agency.
Cost:
Up to 3 facilitators- $325/year
Up to 7 facilitators- $700/year
Up to 20 facilitators- $1,400/year
All membership fees will be due/renewed at the beginning of January each year.
Member Benefits
- Monthly Member Meetings-Participate in our monthly Independent Facilitator member meetings to stay informed, share insights, and foster a sense of community among like-minded professionals.
- Access to Cal-IF Platform: Enjoy exclusive access to the Cal-IF platform, where you can find valuable resources, updates, and engage in discussions with fellow members.
- Discounted Advanced Level Training and Workshops: Take advantage of discounted rates for advanced level training sessions and workshops, empowering you with the latest knowledge and skills in your field.
- Business Sustainability: Gain insights and strategies to ensure the sustainability of your business, addressing challenges and exploring opportunities for growth.
- Profession Sustainability: Contribute to discussions about the sustainability of the Independent Facilitator profession, shaping its future and ensuring its continued relevance.
- United Voice with Department of Developmental Services (DDS): Join forces with fellow members to present a united voice when engaging with the DDS, advocating for policies that positively impact our profession.
- Closed Discussions on Directives & Other Key Topics: Engage in closed discussions about directives and their potential impact on your business, allowing for a better understanding and proactive planning.
- Contribute to Professionalization: Be an active contributor to the professionalization of the Independent Facilitator role, promoting higher standards and recognition within the industry.
- Community of Professionals: Connect with a community of professionals where you can openly share insights about running your business, discuss rates, and collaborate on problem-solving without fear of repercussions.
- Adding the Cal-IF Logo to your website, social media, email, or other professional communication to signal to the community that you are a member in good standing of the organization.
