--- title: "Background Checks for SDP Services: What You Need to Know" description: Discover the process for requesting and paying for background checks on service providers involved in the Self-Determination Program. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/unnamed%20(9).png --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/background-checks-for-sdp-services#main-content) [![nn_logo_wide_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) # Background Checks for SDP Services: What You Need to Know ![A woman with a disability types on a computer](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/unnamed%20(9).png) You’d like to think that any stranger who comes into your home to perform services—like plumbers, electricians, and Wi-Fi installers—has undergone a criminal background check. State laws require background checks for certain people, but what about service providers involved with the Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California? ## What Are Service Providers? People or entities who provide services to regional center customers or SDP participants are referred to as **service providers**.  There are dozens of types of services available to qualifying Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Each type of service falls into one of three [budget categories](https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SDP_Service_Codes_02142019.pdf):  1. Living arrangement 2. Employment and community participation 3. Health and safety The SDP's primary draw is participants' ability to choose services based on their unique goals. Participants, their circles of support, and independent facilitators can determine the best types of services for them and hire providers directly. This differs from the traditional model of receiving regional center services. ## Why Should You Conduct Background Checks? Many people using SDP services need assistance with relatively intimate and personal tasks such as bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene.  This increased opportunity for the invasion of personal space means that timely background checks can be beneficial.  Why? Unfortunately, people with disabilities are more likely to experience mistreatment than those who do not require assistive services. In fact, California law requires SDP service vendors that provide personal care services to perform background checks on all workers. SDP participants may request any current or prospective service provider to perform background checks on their employees; many providers have already done so to help them stand out from the competition.  ## Is it Your Responsibility to Conduct Background Checks? Ultimately, it is not the responsibility of participants or their circles of trust to perform [SDP background checks](https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/background-checks/) on service providers. They, along with independent facilitators or financial management services (FMS), may **request** background checks on providers.  Service providers must fill out a form with the local DMV office and submit workers’ fingerprints at a [Live Scan](https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations/) location, which go through the FBI and state DOJ. Some crimes, like rape, homicide, or robbery, automatically disqualify workers. Other crimes might necessitate an exemption, which must be approved by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). ### Paying for Background Checks The expenses related to SDP background checks are usually the service provider's responsibility. The full process, from requesting a background check to the FMS receiving the report, can take up to 90 days. ## Let NeuroNav Be Your Guide Through the SDP The Self-Determination Program offers freedom and flexibility for Californians with IDDs, but that freedom comes with slightly greater responsibilities. Some service providers are not required by law to undergo background checks, so it may be up to you to request them. Requesting background checks and verifying the safety of service providers are two of many tasks an independent facilitator may assist you with during your SDP journey.  Ensuring the effectiveness of a participant’s person-centered plan, individual budget, and spending plan is often best accomplished by hiring an experienced independent facilitator from [NeuroNav](https://neuronav.org/services). Our team can help you become a new participant or be your ongoing advocate as your needs and goals change. We look forward to speaking with you over a [free consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) in the near future. ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. [![A man with Down syndrome smiling and standing in a greenhouse with plants](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/20.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/self-determination-activities-adults-intellectual-disabilities) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Wellness](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/wellness), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [7 Self-Determination Activities for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/self-determination-activities-adults-intellectual-disabilities) December 24, 2024 Everybody has different needs, interests, and aspirations. Having the freedom to pursue activities that bring us joy is... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/self-determination-activities-adults-intellectual-disabilities) [![An independent facilitator discussing personalized service options with an individual in the Self-Determination Program (SDP).](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/50.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/questions-to-ask-independent-facilitator) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [7 Questions to Ask a Potential SDP Independent Facilitator](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/questions-to-ask-independent-facilitator) May 8, 2025 Through California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP), individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/questions-to-ask-independent-facilitator) [![An adult with a disability smiling and taking a selfie outdoors](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/30.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [Who is the Self-Determination Program Best For?](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) February 6, 2025 Since 2013, California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) has been an option for individuals looking to exercise more... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? Embark on your Self-Determination journey with confidence. Request your free consultation with NeuroNav and discover the personalized support waiting for you. [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) Subscribe for ### Interested in More Insights? Stay in the loop with the latest from our blog. Sign up now and never miss out on empowering stories, tips, and updates. 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If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2024-06-19T18:00:00.453Z", "datePublished" : "2024-06-19T18:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Background Checks for SDP Services: What You Need to Know", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/unnamed%20(9).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/background-checks-for-sdp-services", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" } } } ```