In July of 2011, the State of California implemented the Annual Family Program Fee (AFPF) under section 4785 of the Welfare and Institutions Code for families of minor children living at home that requires some families to pay an annual fee to the Department of Developmental Services(DDS). Your Alta California Regional Center Service Coordinator will discuss the program with you if meet the participation conditions
Who Is Required to Participate?
The AFPF only applies to families that meet the following criteria:
Your child is an active client of the regional center
Your child is age birth through 17 years old
Your child receives a service purchased by the regional center other than a service purchased to determine eligibility,
Your child lives at home
Your child is not eligible for Medi-Cal
How Is The Fee Determined?
The AFPF share of cost is a sliding fee based on the size and income of the family. Once it has been determined that a family meets the program participation requirements, an assessment by your Service Coordinator is completed. The fee is $200 per year. However, if the families income is below the established requirements the fee may be reduced to $150 or $0. Additionally, there are provision to request an exemption.
How Will Family Pay the AFPF Fee?
Once an AFPF Fee has been assessed the family will pay the fee to the state Department of Developmental Services by check or money order. The regional center does not receive your payment.
The law creating the AFPF charges the regional center with informing families of the AFPF program and conducting an assessment on an annual basis.
Families are informed of the Annual Family Program Fee at Intake and again when the Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) or Individual Program Plan (IPP) is developed.
