On January 22, the Little Hoover Commission held a public hearing to review progress on recommendations to strengthen California’s developmental disability system.
The Little Hoover Commission is an independent state oversight agency. It reviews how California government programs are working, holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on how to improve services. Testimony came from two people who receive services from regional centers and their families, an advocate, the Association of Regional Center Agencies, and the Department’s Director, Pete Cervinka.
In his written testimony, Pete outlined the scale of growth in the system and steps the Department is taking to strengthen oversight and improve consistency across California’s 21 regional centers. He highlighted efforts including:
- Increasing payment rates to better reflect today’s costs
- Sharing clearer information in plain language and in multiple languages so families can better understand services and decisions
- Building a new statewide data and payment system, known as LOIS, to replace outdated technology and improve how services are tracked and delivered
“Much work has been done,” Pete said. “And much work yet lies ahead to continue to do better.”
We know many families continue to face challenges in accessing services.
Improving how services are delivered and making sure families experience timely, consistent support remains a priority for our Department. We are committed not only to improving services, but to continuing our work with families and communities to strengthen the system together.
The Commission is expected to release its next report later this year on how its earlier recommendations have been implemented.
Watch a video of the hearing: