Once eligibility for services is established, and specific areas of need are identified, the consumer, whether an infant, school-aged child, adolescent or adult is assigned a Service Coordinator (Case Manager or CPC) who will assist the consumer and family in developing a written service plan. For 0-3 year olds, it is called an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), for older children and adults it is called an Individual Program Plan (IPP). The Service Coordinator will help the consumer and family implement and monitor the plan, review progress, and be available for consultation should circumstances change or new or different services be indicated. Consumers and families have contact with their Service Coordinator at least once every year and more often if needed.
At VMRC, consumers are assigned to the Service Coordinators in a particular unit primarily on the basis of age. In this way our Service Coordinators can become experts in the unique needs, resources, and service options for young children, older children, and adults. There is a great deal of information to be processed and maintained, and it is difficult for one person to develop expertise without this kind of specialization.
The Valley Mountain Regional Center Service Coordinator practices this social work service using the principles of Person Centered Thinking in all their activities in support of people we serve and of course are guided by our Mission, Vision, Values, and Code of Ethics.
For a better understanding of how service coordination works for you check out this 18 minute video created by people with disabilities from Futures Explored & Inclusion Films and VMRC staff to describe services in our region and how service coordination helps to get these services throughout your lifetime.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION
SPANISH LANGUAGE VERSION