INDEPENDENT FACILITATION 

What Is An Independent Facilitator?

An Independent Facilitator is a unique, optional, service that is available only to Self-Determination Participants. This person can assist an individual with transitioning into Self-Determination, finding resources, connecting to generic services, negotiating rates, Person-Centered Planning (including to show continuing need for services in the 2^nd year and beyond!), advocacy (including at meetings such as Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)), connection and facilitation of relationships with the required Financial Management Service (FMS) agency, finding staff, spending plan changes, and other tasks that a participant or their Circle of Support may need assistance with. Independent Facilitators often serve as a liaison between the Regional Center and the participant or family, and Phoenix Facilitation takes pride in helping mend relationships that have previously been fractured. Independent Facilitators allow a participant and family to be just that – a participant or family member, rather than someone who is managing a person’s services or life!

What Do Independent Facilitators Do?

Independent Facilitators have the ability and time to spend 1:1 with a participant or family, which Service Coordinators typically do not, to explain the Lanterman Act, the Regional Center system, laws, policies, services available, and generic resources, which helps everything feel more transparent and can increase trust and understanding while decreasing frustration.

Phoenix Facilitation’s Independent Facilitation services are distinctive in that the staff and advocates on our team are qualified and willing to provide non-legal representation to participants and families in the Regional Center Fair Hearing/appeal process. Our extensive knowledge of the Lanterman Act and Self-Determination Waiver set us apart in our ability to provide educated opinions about services, rights, and next steps while maintaining professional, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with Regional Center team members and participants and families at all times.

Please note: Fair Hearing/appeal representation is not guaranteed and is based on if, in the professional opinion of Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC and its representatives, the case has legal merit and is likely to be successful. Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC makes no representations or warranties are about specific services, budget amounts, Fair Hearing/appeal outcomes, or any other part of the process. Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC cannot ensure how the Regional Center, generic agencies, and/or the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), among others, will respond to applications or requests for services.

We Can Help

Schedule a free* one-hour consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.