In 2023, Senate Bill 138 required the Department of Developmental Services to address inequities in how respite services are provided to caregivers.  The law states that this effort is intended to “provide more statewide uniformity and consistency and promote equity in the administrative practices and services of regional centers, consistent with the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.”

A draft version of the tool was shared on July 29, 2025.  The Department accepted public comments through August 29, 2025.  During this 30-day public comment period, the Department received over 850 written comments.  This input has influenced important changes to the tool.  Together with our contractors, Burns & Associates and Human Services Research Institute, the tool has been revised in response to this feedback.  The revisions to the tool included:

  • Simplifying language
  • Reducing the amount of text
  • Combining several sections
  • Adjusting some response options and associated points

The Department is currently collecting data from all 21 regional centers until April 30, 2026.  This data comes from testing but not using the tool to assess respite hours.  During this period, the respite hours for families continue to be determined by the regional center’s current process.  The data will help finalize the tool and determine the appropriate amount of respite hours that should be authorized once the tool is implemented.  It will also help address individual instances where significant changes in respite service authorizations may be appropriate and inform an exception process for unique circumstances.

The Department plans to finalize the tool, train regional centers on how to use and provide information to the community about the new respite tool in the summer of 2026. These steps will help promote equity and consistency in meeting the needs of individuals, as required by law.

How will this affect me?

When it is implemented, your service coordinator will use the Standardized Respite Tool when your Individual Program Plan (IPP) includes respite services.

Five-step process for receiving respite services: 1. Meet with planning team; IPP includes respite. 2. Complete tool and receive score. 3. Number of Monthly Respite Hours Determined. 4. Respite authorized. 5. Use respite.

Contact Info

Individuals and families should reach out to their regional center Service Coordinator with their questions. Regional Centers can email the Department at respite@dds.ca.gov.


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Last modified: March 17, 2026