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What is the San Andreas Regional Center and what can it do for your child?
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Two of the author's children during a hospital stay.
Perhaps you've heard of San Andreas Regional Center, even if you have not been qualified to utilize it. You may be wondering what it is all about.
San Andreas Regional Center (otherwise known as SARC) is, according to its web site, "a community-based, private nonprofit corporation that is funded by the State of California to serve people with developmental disabilities as required by the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act." There are many regional centers across the state of California, but SARC is the one that serves our area.
Basically, if a child is qualified for services, SARC can pay for respite and camp (such as Camp Costanoan), day care, residential placement, behavior modification, and adaptive skills training, as well as other services. For preschool age, SARC can coordinate Early Start services. Services also continue into adulthood depending on the individual's degree if disability, including occupational support and help with independent living.
Who qualifies for SARC services? Qualifying conditions include mental retardation (defined as IQ of 70 or below), cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and "fifth condition" (a condition requiring treatment similar to that of mental retardation). The qualifying condition cannot be solely psychaitric or solely physical.
SARC can be an amazing resource for badly needed respite care for parents nearing burnout. Unfortunately, many people do not know about SARC. If you believe your child meets one of the above conditions, I encourage you to contact SARC for intake.
Once a child goes through intake (usually involving reviewing the child's test results, IEP, etc.) and is found to be qualified, the parent can then use SARC funds to pay for respite or other services.
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