Community Placement Plan

In the fiscal year 2000-2001, the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) implemented the Community Placement Plan (CPP). This initiative sought to streamline the process of moving individuals from State Developmental Centers (SDC) to local community living arrangements. It also aimed to provide support to individuals who were already living in community settings but were at risk of being referred to an SDC for various reasons, a process referred to as "deflection."

The CPP's two main components, known as out-placement and deflection, have now become widely acknowledged. The Community Service Department actively assists the Regional Center's Community Placement Program (CPP) by creating residential, day service, and other necessary programs and supports for persons leaving State Developmental Centers (SDCs) and those who are at danger of being placed in institutions. This assistance is provided by issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs), which invite interested firms to apply for start-up cash that has been allotted to the Regional Center by DDS.

Operating a CPP Home

The provider must have at least three years of expertise in providing residential care to persons with developmental impairments, with a preference for candidates who have worked as administrators or owners of such facilities for at least two years. Preference will be given to persons with a wealth of expertise overseeing individuals with profound behavioral difficulties, psychological issues, and intricate medical requirements. Proficiency in crisis intervention skills is essential, and staff members are mandated to get training in crisis prevention and intervention approaches. In addition, the provider must exhibit a dedication to collaborating closely with families who may have reservations about relocating their loved ones to an authorized community facility. The process of preparing people to transfer into the facility will require the provider to make several visits to the individual's present living circumstances.

In addition, the CPP program requires a broad range of health maintenance services, such as access to primary care physicians, mental consultations (if needed), nursing and nutritional consultations, and physical and occupational consultations as judged essential. A practical behavioral component is necessary to address the specific behaviors, and the provider must hire an expert behavioral consultant to fulfill the client's needs. The staffing levels for continuous programming should adhere to the criteria set for a level 4I facility, with modifications made to accommodate the unique needs of the residents assigned to the home. Furthermore, providers must guarantee transportation to and from day programs as a supplementary service. The land must provide a considerable area for physical activity, with a substantial distance between the residence and neighbors to minimize noise issues. To enhance safety, the residence may necessitate delayed egress using door alarms. Providers are required to preserve a favorable reputation with all licensing organizations.

CPP Oversight

CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS - TITLE 22

Title 22 Regulations apply to all community care facilities regulated by the Community Care Licensing Division except where specifically exempted and are available at the California Department of Social Services website at: www.dss.cahwnet.gov/ord/PG240.htm

Title 17. Public Health - Division 2 Health and Welfare Agency Department of Developmental Services

The 17 Regulations are promulgated under the divisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code cited as the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and the California Government Code cited as the California Early Intervention Services Act. To see the official version of these and other regulations, please view the California Code of Regulations (CCR) on the Office of Administrative Law website at ccr.oal.ca.gov.

Regional centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. They have offices throughout California to provide a local resource to help find and access the many services available to individuals and their families.

CPP Facility Staff

Background Check Process

Under the California Health and Safety Code, all applicants, licensees, adult residents, specific volunteers, and employees of community care facilities who interact with clients are subject to a mandatory background check. If the California Department of Social Services discovers that an individual has a criminal conviction, excluding minor traffic violations, that individual cannot work or be present in any community care facility without obtaining a criminal record exemption from the Community Care Licensing Division, Caregiver Background Check Bureau (CBCB). Essentially, an exemption is an authorized document from the Department that waives the requirement for a criminal record clearance. Additionally, CBCB scrutinizes arrest records to assess potential risks to clients (Health & Safety Code sections 1522, 1568.08, 1569.17, and 1596.871).

The background check process involves submitting fingerprints, which are screened by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). If the individual has no criminal history, the DOJ issues a clearance notice to the applicant/licensee and CBCB. However, if there is a criminal history, the DOJ sends a criminal record transcript to CBCB detailing any arrests and convictions. CBCB staff reviews the transcript, and if the convictions may qualify for an exemption, CBCB notifies the individual and applicant/licensee accordingly. The notification outlines the procedure for requesting an exemption and specifies the required documents/information. CBCB grants must be exempt; individuals cannot consent to the facility.
Upon receiving a criminal record clearance, the individual can work, reside, or volunteer in a licensed facility. This clearance remains valid if the individual is associated with a licensed facility. However, if the individual becomes disassociated from a facility, they must become related to another facility within three years, or their clearance becomes inactive. Inactive individuals must undergo fingerprinting and clearance before returning to work, reside, or volunteer in a licensed facility. The clearance status of newly printed individuals is listed on the California Background Clearance Listing for 30 days, after which licensees can verify clearances older than 30 days by contacting their local CCLD Regional Office.