Update on CA Budget:

Posted: May 30, 2023

The Governor released his version of the 2023-2024 May Revise. Highlights of Governors Proposed 2023-24 May Revision.pdf (ca.gov) Despite the projected shortfall in state revenues, there remains support for funding the CA. Disability Service system from the Governor and legislators.DDS-Highlights-May-2023.pdf (ca.gov)

However, it is still critical for all Early Intervention families and providers to take time to connect with their legislators and the Governor.
There are major issues facing Early Intervention: click here

Maintaining a stable Early Intervention service system with qualified staff and the ability to provide necessary services.

Implementation of the "Rate Model Study" that does not address the current 25-30% absenteeism and cancellations factor programs are currently experiencing.. This does not allow for a stable business model to allow support for an employee model vs. a "gig" model. It impacts a program's ability to recruit and maintain qualified staff.

Share with them the importance click here and benefits of Early Intervention through an email, visit with your staff/legislator, and invite them to an Early Intervention Program. An IDA Legislative tip sheet is enclosed to give you some information on how to set up a visit and start developing a relationship with your local legislators. click here

Provider Conversations:
Implementation of Early Start Indicator - click here - There is confusion on how best to have this 10% of a rate implemented and verified with minimal disruption to administrative workflow. Have funds be consistent in order not to disrupt employee salaries

Maximizing recruiting and maintaining staff: Seems that there is an opportunity to utilize Clinical Speech fellows ( MA level and internship training) but there is confusion over the term Clinical Fellow preventing them to be hired by EI programs.

Additional information to be posted on the IDA website: www.idaofcal.org

We hope that you will take a moment to reach out to your families, colleagues, and your legislators to share with them some of the issues currently being addressed in the CA. Early Intervention Community.

Department of Developmental Services:
Infant Development Programs are listed under Home Visiting. The presentation from the meeting on April 25, 2023, which provides information about registering for and completing the survey explains the process. In addition, more information can be found on the DDS DSP Workforce Data Collection webpage: click here

On that webpage you will find the following and more:

The DSP Workforce Survey online vendor registration form – *Registration is required to participate in the survey*
A video recording of the meeting and presentation on April 25, 2023
General information about the data collection effort and survey
Tips on completing the DSP Workforce Survey (English and Spanish videos)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents covering these topics: eligibility requirements, incentive payment, survey details, and technical assistance

Participate by completing the survey to earn $8,000 incentive payment. For questions, please email [email protected].

New Early Start Outreach films: Telling Our Stories - Telling Our Stories on Vimeo

Thank you,
Fran Chasen and Annie Cox
IDA's Policy Committee

Announcements

IDA Blog

Considering the Sibling Experience when Supporting Families in Early Intervention
Read More

Quality Incentive Program (QIP) - Early Intervention Services Directive released

The Department of Developmental Services Directive Here announced that the Quality Incentive Program is offering information on how Early Intervention providers can participate in the QIP measure. The Directive covers Eligibility Click Here and Here, Incentive Payment Processing Click Here, Conditions for a Provider to receive Incentive Payments.

The latest plan recognizes the need to have families/children enrolled in Early Start and is offering a fiscal incentive to programs. The plan HERE is different from information shared in the July, 2023 Presentation to the Interagency Coordinating Council and at the January 2024 ICC Meeting.

Steps to listing a program in the Statewide Provider Directory are not included in this Directive.

The QIP email to ask questions, share comments is [email protected]

ACTION NEEDED: Have you contacted your legislators?

Call to ACTION English Click Here in Spanish Here to let them know you are opposed to having a $1B proposed delay in implementing the rate increase to providers rates? Early Intervention providers have not had a rate adjustment. Thanks to The Arc California for offering this easy platform to communicate with legislators.

ACTION Needed to let the Members of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 know why they need oppose the Proposed $1B budget delay for Rate Implementation

The Senate Budget SubCommittee #3 on Health and Human Services (Senate.ca.gov/calendar) is meeting on March 21st at 9:30AM at the State Capitol, Sacramento.

"We need you to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion need to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion in cut to funding for disability services and supports.

Where Does Early Intervention Stand in the Proposed Governor's Budget 2024-2025?

Governor Newsom released his proposed budget on January 10th. He is suggesting that providers of service through the Department of Developmental Services be prepared for a "delay" in the roll out of the rate model funds. You can have a conversation about what does delay mean .....a cut or not. Basically the funds are not going to be passed along to the providers as promised and planned.

Department of Developmental Services Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services

As mentioned in the Governor's proposed 2024-2025 Budget, the Department of Developmental Services will create a Master Plan with a March 2025 deadline. Yesterday Dr. Mark Ghaly announced the appointed Membership for the Master Plan Committee. Developmental Services Master Plan Stakeholder Committee Appointment (ca.gov) - link to go with Membership for the Master Plan
Their first meeting is scheduled for March 6th. Subcommittees are to be formed to increase input from all communities serving the populations involved with the system.

"The reality is that the developmental services system cannot, nor should it, operate in isolation given the changing needs of the consumers and families we serve today.” said CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “This means we must proactively think about how we connect the dots between systems and sectors, while more intentionally integrating developmental services to our work to serve the whole needs of the individual and their families."

The purpose of the Master Plan is, "...since 2019, the number of Californians served by the developmental services system has grown by 31%, with significant growth among children under the age of 22 who have an Autism diagnosis. Today, over 400,000 Californians receive services and supports through California’s 21 Regional Centers. Individuals who receive services today are more diverse and live longer. They face affordable housing shortages, lower rates of employment, and the challenges of accessing services from other systems and sectors to address their physical, social, and behavioral health needs. A 21st century developmental services system must increase its ability to provide culturally responsive services and to strengthen the accountability and standardization of the system so that it is easier for individuals and their families to navigate no matter where they live in California. "

Additional details in the 2/14/24 Press release:

CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services - California Health and Human Services

Early Intervention ACTION Step

In the Governor's proposed budget, he is indicating there should be a "delay" for one year of completing the fiscal roll out that was part of the rate model process.
This "delay" cut of one year of income impacts the ability of families to access services, programs to recruit and maintain adequate staff,etc.
Please take a moment to connect with your legislators about your concerns.

Take Action! Urge Legislators to Reject Delay of $1 Billion to Disability Services (p2a.co)

There are Budget hearings scheduled in the Assembly and the Senate. Input can be sent via email or in person.

You can watch the Assembly hearings here: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents.
BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NO. 2 ON HUMAN SERVICES
Wednesday, February 28
1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 444
Developmental Services and Rehabilitation Programs
The Senate Hearings can be watched here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/calendar.
Additional details to be shared via IDA EBlasts.

IDA Policy Committee