Finding and managing SDP service providers is one of the most important parts of making the California Self-Determination Program work for your real life. But it can also raise a lot of questions—especially around who can be hired, how roles are defined, and what’s possible within your spending plan and budget.
This guide expands on the key questions covered in NeuroNav’s recent webinar, helping you understand what’s allowed, where the limits are, and how to think strategically about building the support team that fits your needs.
Want even more detail? Watch the full webinar now and subscribe to NeuroNav’s newsletter for guidance, resources, and SDP updates, including future webinars.
Parents as Paid Providers: What’s Allowed (and What Isn’t)
Families—especially parents—often play a major role in supporting an SDP participant. But the rules around when they can be paid vary, so here are the key takeaways.
Can parents be paid providers?
Yes, but only for adults.
Parents cannot be paid to provide any service for minor children under SDP. For adults, parents can be hired depending on the service and how it connects to a goal in the person-centered plan or IPP.
Can a parent be an SLS provider?
In the traditional system: no. Supported Living Services (SLS) vendors cannot employ parents to provide services to their children.
In the Self-Determination Program, SLS doesn't technically exist. Instead, parents of adults can be hired as Personal Assistants (PAs) if the service supports a documented need or goal.
Can a parent be paid as a manager or Independent Facilitator (IF)?
Yes, as long as they meet IF qualifications and do not also provide additional services to the participant. The Independent Facilitator role must stand alone.
Can parents be paid respite providers?
Generally, no. Respite is defined as giving the primary caregiver a break. If a parent is the primary caregiver, they cannot “give themselves a break.”
This applies across both traditional services and SDP.
Can parents of adults be providers if they are also IHSS workers?
Yes. A parent who is already paid through IHSS can also be hired under SDP, as long as the service aligns with a goal and there’s no duplication of IHSS-funded tasks.
Personal Assistants (PAs): Flexibility, Rules, and Real-Life Use
Personal Assistants (PAs) are one of the most flexible types of support available through the Self-Determination Program. Because the role covers a wide range of tasks—from hands-on care to supervision and community participation—families often have questions about how PAs work, what they can do, and how to structure them in a spending plan.
What is a Personal Assistant?
PAs are one of the most flexible types of SDP service providers.
They can offer:
- hands-on support
- supervision
- community-based help
- assistance with routines and daily living
As long as the role clearly supports an IPP or person-centered plan goal, the definition can be broad.
What is the hourly rate for a PA?
There’s no fixed statewide rate.
Your spending plan, market rates, and FMS requirements all factor in. Many families look at similar job postings or call providers to determine a reasonable range—something also discussed in the first half of the webinar.
Can the same staff member provide both respite and PA services?
Yes. As long as the tasks match goals in the person-centered plan or IPP, a single worker can fill multiple roles.
Your Independent Facilitator can help you determine which category the hours should fall under.
Can a PA accompany a child or adult to activities?
Yes—PAs can support the participant at home or in the community.
Many families list PA support under the broader “community living supports” category in their spending plan. This can make the service more flexible and easier to apply to real-life situations.
Is PA support funded under respite?
It can be, but often PAs are funded under community living or other skill-development categories.
This is something to discuss with your IF while creating or updating the spending plan.
What language does the Regional Center look for when approving PA support?
Every Regional Center has its own internal processes. However, the key is to anchor all support in:
- clearly defined needs
- specific goals
- real-life outcomes
Focus on the “why” behind the support, not just the title.
Build Your SDP Team with Support
Hiring support staff through the California Self-Determination Program can feel empowering, confusing, or a mix of both. Whether you’re navigating FMS paperwork, defining support roles, confirming what your SDP budget can cover, or determining when a family member can be hired, it’s normal to have questions.
NeuroNav’s independent facilitation services help participants and families understand options, organize their team, clarify service categories, and make sure each provider is aligned with the goals in the plan.
If you want guidance on choosing the right SDP service providers, or if you’re ready to build a team that supports your real needs and lifestyle, schedule a free consultation today.
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