CALIFORNIA SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM (SDP)
Your budget. Your choices. Your life, your way.
The California Self-Determination Program gives you the freedom to direct your own services and choose Almost Family as your trusted provider.
100% Voluntary
Choose it when it’s right for you
You Pick Providers
Including Almost Family
One Budget, One Plan
Built around your goals
The five principles of SDP
The values written into California law (W&I Code §4685.8).
1
Freedom
Plan your own life and make your own decisions.
2
Authority
Decide how your funds are spent on services and supports.
3
Support
Organize the help you need, from people you trust.
4
Responsibility
Take an active role in directing your own life.
5
Confirmation
You are a vital partner in every decision that affects you.
What Is The SDP?
A different way to receive Regional Center services
Signed into law in 2013 and open to all eligible regional center clients since July 2021, the Self-Determination Program is a voluntary alternative to traditional services. Instead of being assigned vendors, you receive an individual budget and decide which services to purchase, who provides them, and how they’re delivered.
Your budget is built with your service coordinator from your recent service history and any unmet needs in your Individual Program Plan (IPP). With the Self-Determination Program, you have greater flexibility in choosing the providers and services that best meet your needs. That means you can work with trusted partners like Almost Family to deliver the day-to-day support that matters most.
$
An individual budget
Calculated from your last 12 months of services plus unmet needs.
✓
Your spending plan
You decide how the budget is used across the services you choose.
⌂
Freedom of choice
Hire the providers, agencies, or workers who fit your goals.
↺
Flexible & reversible
It's voluntary you can return to traditional services at any time.
THE ENROLLMENT PATH
Your path to self-determination
SDP runs on a clear sequence. Here's each step from first interest to the day your services begin and where Almost Family steps in.
1
Tell your service coordinator
Let your Regional Center service coordinator know you’re interested in the Self-Determination Program. They’ll answer questions and point you to an orientation.
2
Attend the SDP orientation REQUIRED
Complete an official orientation the step that formally qualifies you to enroll. As of April 1, 2026, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is the sole statewide provider, offered by Zoom in multiple languages.
3
Person-centered planning
Work through your goals, strengths, and vision for the future with your IPP team. You may bring in an optional Independent Facilitator for extra guidance their transition costs are covered by the Regional Center.
4
Receive your individual budget
Your service coordinator establishes your budget from your recent expenditures and unmet needs. This is the funding you’ll direct.
5
Choose an FMS provider REQUIRED
Select a Financial Management Services provider to handle payroll, taxes, and payments. Their cost is covered by the Regional Center and never comes out of your budget and they don’t control your spending.
6
Build your spending plan ALMOST FAMILY FITS HERE
Decide how your budget is spent across services and providers this is where you can direct funding to Almost Family for supported living, respite, community integration and more. Your Regional Center reviews and approves the plan.
7
You're live services begin WE GET STARTED
Once paperwork reaches your FMS, your plan goes active. Our team begins intake and delivers the day-to-day support in your plan.
WHERE ALMOST FAMILY FITS
We're the support team you choose
SDP gives you three kinds of help. Almost Family isn't your facilitator or your payroll service we're the direct support provider you direct your budget toward.
OPTIONAL GUIDE
Independent Facilitator
Offers expert guidance to help plan your tailored services. This is optional, and your Regional Center service coordinator can fill this role.
REQUIRED ADMIN
FMS Provider
Handles payroll, taxes, and payments. Required, and paid for by the Regional Center.
YOUR CHOICE
Almost Family your provider
The hands-on team delivering your daily support, chosen by you in your spending plan.
Ways We Support You
Almost Family offers 1:1 support to help you navigate daily living, activities, the community, and employment opportunities
Supported Living (SLS)
Personalized support to live safely and independently in your own home.
Community Living
One-on-one help with daily living, hygiene, and personal routines.
Respite Care
Trusted short-term relief that supports the whole family.
Day Support Activities
Structured days built around skill-building, goals, and connection.
Community Integration
Staying active, engaged, and connected to the community you love.
Job Development & Coaching
Personalized support finding, starting, and thriving in meaningful work.
Prevocational Training
Preparing for the workplace with real-world skills and habits.
Microenterprise Support
Turning skills and passions into a small business, on your own terms.
WHY CLIENTS & FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Care That Feels Like Family
Built for independence, dignity, and quality of life with the reliability your family deserves.
01
Local Support
A team that knows SDRC, your community, and the supports available near you.
02
Person-centered, always
Individualized plans of care built around your goals not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
03
Continuity of care
We work to keep the same trusted caregivers with you, shift after shift.
04
Compliant & ready
HCBS-compliant services and clean documentation that keep your spending plan on track.
05
Family partnership
We work alongside clients & families to deliver consistent, compassionate support.
06
Years of Experience
With over 30 years of experience, our leadership team has a proven track record of delivering dependable, high-quality support.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Self-Determination Program FAQs
Who is eligible for the SDP?
Any California Regional Center consumer who meets program requirements may participate. Speak with your service coordinator to confirm eligibility and begin the enrollment process.
Do I have to leave my current services to try SDP?
No. SDP is voluntary, and many participants transition services gradually while building their spending plan.
How is my individual budget decided?
Your Regional Center calculates your budget using your previous service expenditures and any unmet needs identified through the planning process.
Do I have to use a Financial Management Service (FMS)?
Yes. Every SDP participant must select an approved FMS provider to handle payroll, payments, and administrative functions.
Can I choose Almost Family as my provider under SDP?
Yes. Once your spending plan is approved, you can direct funding toward eligible services provided by Almost Family.
What services can SDP funds pay for?
Funds can be used for approved services and supports that help you achieve the goals outlined in your Individual Program Plan (IPP).
Do I need an Independent Facilitator?
No. An Independent Facilitator is optional. Many clients & families use one for additional support, while others work directly with their service coordinator.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Let's build a plan that puts you in charge
Already in SDP or just exploring it? Our team will help you understand your options and direct your budget toward support that feels like family.
Almost Family is a direct support provider. We are not a Financial Management Service or Independent Facilitator. Orientation and enrollment are handled through SCDD and your regional center.
