Transparency
We are committed to building strong partnerships with families, and our goal is to be responsive to each family’s special needs. But despite our best efforts, there may be a time when a client or client’s family disagrees with the decision we make. If this happens, clients or families may ask us to review our decision, to make sure all information was considered. We will make every effort to resolve disagreements informally, through discussion with your Service Coordinator, or their supervisor.
If the matter continues to be unresolved, our clients and families may request to speak to the Executive Director. An FNRC Service Coordinator can also provide our clients/families with information on how to contact the FNRC Client Rights Advocate, if there are complaints about how services are provided.
If we are unable to resolve concerns informally, clients may ask the regional center to review our decision through the appeal process. An appeal is a formal request for someone to change a decision about an individual’s eligibility for services, or about the services he or she receives.
You have the right to appeal our decisions and we will support you in exercising that right.
Appeals Process (Formerly Fair Hearings)
The Appeals (Formerly Fair Hearings) Process is the procedure to use if you disagree with the nature, scope or amount of services you receive, or are requesting the regional center to provide.
For more information on the Appeals (Formerly Fair Hearings) Process, see this link on the DDS website.
Regional Center or Vendor/Contractor Whistleblower Complaints
Regional Center or Vendor/Contractor Whistleblower complaints are defined as the reporting of an “improper regional center or vendor/contractor activity.”
- An “improper regional center activity” means an activity by a regional center, or an employee, officer, or board member of a regional center, in the conduct of regional center business, that is a violation of a state or federal law or regulation; violation of contract provisions; fraud or fiscal malfeasance; misuse of government property; or constitutes gross misconduct, incompetency, or inefficiency.
- An “improper vendor/contractor activity” means an activity by a vendor/contractor, or an employee, officer, or board member of a vendor/contractor, in the provision of DDS funded services, that is a violation of a state or federal law or regulation; violation of contract provisions; fraud or fiscal malfeasance; misuse of government property; or constitutes gross misconduct, incompetency, or inefficiency.
- For more information, see the FNRC Whistle Blower Protection Policy [PDF, 100.71 KB] and the DDS Whistle Blower Protection Policy.
Consumer Complaint Process (W&I Section 4731)
Section 4731 of the Welfare and Institutions Code (W&I Code) permits each consumer or any representative acting on his or her behalf, to pursue a complaint against a regional center, developmental center, or provider.
Please view the Consumer Complaint Process [PDF, 8.13 KB] document on our FNRC Policies page.
More information can also be found on the DDS website here.
Other Information
General information about appeals and complaints can also be found on the DDS website at: Appeals, Complaints & Comments. Or call: (916) 651-6309
Look here for the Regional Center Oversight Dashboard : CA Department of Developmental Services