In April 2022, DDS established a statewide Community Navigator Program (CNP) in all 21 regional center catchment areas in partnership with the Family Resource Centers Network of California (FRCNCA). Based on the community health worker model, community navigators work 1:1 with individuals and families providing support in accessing and utilizing regional center and generic resources. Navigating systems can be complex and challenging for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Navigators have lived experience and share a community, a language, and a culture with the people they serve, which builds trust.
The FRCNCA collaborates with Family Resource Centers (FRCs) statewide. FRCs are parent-led organizations comprised of 47 FRCs serving all 58 California counties. FRCs strive to be a valuable resource to their local communities, respectful and responsive to cultural and linguistic differences, and supportive of individual and family decision-making regarding services and supports. FRCs value parent-to-parent support as a model and as an effective means for strengthening families. FRCs uphold the principle of families and professionals partnering to create better outcomes for parents and their children.
Services provided by the FRCs include:
- Parent-to-Parent Emotional Support (Trainings, Playgroups, Developmental Screenings)
- Information and Referral to Community Resources
- Public Awareness and Outreach Support for Transition Age from Part C
- Support to families whose children are blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, orthopedically impaired
- Community Navigation
For more information about the Community Navigator Program, reference Cal. Welf. and Inst. Code § 4519.9. To learn more about the Family Resource Centers Network of California, go to frcnca.org.
To learn more about the Family Resource Centers funded by the Community Navigator Program and get connected, use the links and interactive map below:
Last modified: March 21, 2024
