Getting Started
What's On This Page
Client & Family Services Quick Links
- The Lanterman Act
- Working Together in Partnership
- Person Centered Planning
- Resolving Disagreements
- Your Legal Rights
- Receiving Quality and Effective Services and Supports
- Early Start – Birth to 3 Years
- Provisional Eligibility – Birth to 5 Years
- Transitioning from Early Childhood Services
Applying for Lanterman Regional Center Services
Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center is one of 21 regional centers that have a contract with the state of California, Department of Developmental Services, to coordinate services for people with developmental disabilities, and for infants and toddlers under the age of 3 if they have a developmental delay or a developmental disability.
The very first step in applying for regional center services is figuring out which regional center to apply at Lanterman serves the Glendale, Hollywood/Wilshire, Central Los Angeles and Pasadena areas.
Verify you are served by Lanterman at www.dds.ca.gov/RC.
Applying for Services for Children Under the Age of 3
Children under 3 years old, who have a developmental delay, developmental disability, or a condition that has a high risk of resulting in a delay, are eligible for services
To apply for Early Start services for children under the age of 3, please e-mail referrals@lanterman.org or contact the Intake referral line at (213) 252-8610 and provide the following info:
- your name,
- your telephone number,
- your address,
- your child’s name and birth date,
- and a short explanation as to your concerns.
An intake coordinator will call you back within 24 hours to gather further information, and if appropriate, will initiate the necessary assessments required to determine eligibility for Early Start services. Eligibility is determined within 45 days from the initial contact.
Applying for Services for Children Over the Age of 3
In order to be eligible for regional center services a person over the age of 3 years must have a developmental disability.
What is a developmental Disability? A developmental disability includes any of the following:
- Intellectual Disability (ID)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Other conditions that are found to be closely related to Intellectual Disability or require services similar to those required by an individual with Intellectual Disability
- The condition must have started before the age of 18, must be likely to continue indefinitely and must constitute a substantial handicap for the individual.
- A developmental disability does not include conditions that are only physical, learning or psychiatric conditions.
To apply for regional center services for a person who is over the age of 3 years, please e-mail referrals@lanterman.org or contact the Intake referral line at (213) 252-8610 and provide the following info:
- your name,
- your telephone number,
- your address,
- the name and birth date of the person you are referring,
- and the reason for the referral.
An intake specialist will call you back within 24 hours to gather information from you, and if the referral is appropriate, will schedule an appointment to learn more about your family, developmental history and special needs. If needed, the intake specialist may schedule other assessments to assist with eligibility determination. Eligibility is determined within 120 days from the initial contact.
Information Packets
A Guide to California’s Regional Center System
The Department of Developmental Services has released a new Information Packet with information about the Lanterman Services Act. It’s for individuals, parents and caregivers of children or adults over 3 years old who may have or are at risk of having developmental delays or disabilities. This packet is also for people who want to learn more about the regional center system, resources, rights and how to qualify for services.
Download the Guide
View more on the DDS Website.