The Self-Determination Program (SDP) has opened up a lot of avenues for Californians with IDDs (intellectual or developmental disabilities) to personalize their services. It’s also helped many of these Regional Center customers choose service providers that help them blossom into their fullest selves and not simply tread water.
A key component—perhaps the most important one—supporting SDP is a person-centered plan for every SDP participant. A thoughtful person-centered plan, or PCP, sets the stage for effective IPPs and spending plans.
Just like your child’s favorite t-shirt, PCPs may not last the test of time. That’s okay, because as Suzy Requarth, NeuroNav’s Head of Care Management, said on our recent webinar, “A PCP is a living document. It’s not something you do once, and it applies for the rest of your life.”
We’ve got insights on updating PCPs and more from Suzy and Elyse Campbell, an independent facilitator (IF) with NeuroNav.
Understanding Person-Centered Planning
Person-centered planning describes the collaborative process of gathering information about someone’s goals, dreams, and interests. In the context of California’s SDP, it’s done to help connect participants’ goals with actionable individual program plans (IPPs) and spending plans.
A person-centered plan is not a requirement for participating in SDP. The value gained from the PCP process is crucial for empowering SDP participants and priming them to think of their ideal life. People with IDDs have just as much reason to dare and dream as anyone else!
3 Signs It’s Time to Update a Person-Centered Plan
More likely than not, your child’s PCP will evolve over time. It can actually be a good thing, as it shows your child is finding new interests and expressing their preferences.
Here are three common signs you and your child should take a second look at the PCP.
1. Your child is not meeting their goals.
Your person-centered plan is not working if your child is not achieving the goals they outlined in the document. It’s ultimately up to your child whether or not they’re meeting their PCP goals—their idea of progress may be different than yours, after all. However, if your child hasn’t made any progress towards their goals, something needs to change.
2. The living circumstances have changed.
Although your child deserves to make use of every cent from their SDP individual budget, they will rely on natural support. Natural support refers to the assistance a family would normally be expected to provide to their loved ones.
If your child changes households, for instance, their natural supports may also change. Depending on the degree of change, the PCP may also need updating.
3. Your child’s goals have changed.
Simple and straightforward—as your child becomes a teenager, their interests and goals might shift.
Think back to the first thing you wanted to be when you grew up. Now, think of what you wanted to do after you graduated from high school. Dreams and goals can change, but your child’s happiness and fulfillment should always be priorities.
Updating Your PCP: What Does it Look Like?
Because a person-centered plan is not a formal document that doesn’t require approval, you can update it pretty much any time you need. In addition to the three circumstances we just covered, it’s typically a good idea to review a PCP every six to 12 months. NeuroNav recommends a yearly review to keep things in line with your annual IPP meeting.
Having your circle of support meet regularly to discuss the PCP is a good idea, but the direction should come from your child, the SDP participant. Your child’s independent facilitator might also have productive ideas for updating a PCP.
Find Out More About Ongoing SDP Independent Facilitation with NeuroNav
NeuroNav understands better than most the importance of regularly updating person-centered plans. In addition to helping new participants enroll in the SDP, you can receive ongoing, one-on-one assistance with your navigator.
We believe in being proactive about PCP changes and updates because, as Elyse mentioned in the webinar, “We want them to continue being relevant tools and resources for you.”
We’d love to have a conversation with you about our independent facilitation services and how they can help your child get the most out of the SDP. Feel free to schedule a consultation at your convenience!
