a listing of acronyms and abbreviations i s available for parents and consumers to familiarize them with terminology and short versions on disabilities, services and programs.
if appropriate, referring families to Protection and Advocacy, INC. (PAI), a private, nonprofit organization that protects the legal, civil and service rights of Californians who have developmental or mental disabilities. PAI provided a variety of advocacy services, including assistance with an imnuediate problem.
timely referrals for assessments or resources in collaboration with the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, the Local Education Area school districts, early intervention programs and guidance in transitions through the life span such as preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school work and recreation activities.
the Family Focus Resource Center works closely with other agencies and services to promote the smooth transition and access to services and needs of families and consumers with developmentally disabled individuals. Some of these agencies consist of the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, the Local Education Area (LEA), California Childrens Services (CCS), Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), Foster Parents Association, California State University, Northridge (CSUN), vendors, service providers, health care providers and support groups.
ongoing outreach and public awareness to the community i s provided to health professionals and other agencies serving children, youths and adults with developmental disabilities.
trainings and seminars for parents, consumers and professionals i s available with a listing of the most current activity on a calendar basis.
Parent mentors, parent advocates, adult advocates to assist others in peer support to families in multi-languages. Volunteer parents and are available to assist other parents with their Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for infants and toddlers, Individual Program Plan (IPP) and Individual Education Plan (IEP). Adult consumers and professionals are available to assist with community living, job opportunities and residential placement.
available at the resource center and referrals to other agencies for the most current information for persons with developmental disabilities specifically; part H of IDEA, Special Education's Individual Education Plan (IEP)and the Individual Program Plan (IPP).
through the Internet component of the Family Focus Resource Center information on legislative bills and laws i s available for the state and nation.
books, magazines, video and audio tapes are available i n English and Spanish for loan to parents, consumers and professionals on specific developmental disabilities, parenting skills, .....
Public and private transportation i n English and Spanish
books, videos, audio tapes, magazines and training presentations materials are available for loan to parents, consumers and professionals.
The Family Resource Center/Network of Los Angeles County includes 16 family resource centers and the areas they serve.
ongoing educational seminars and trainings for parents, consumers and professionals.
a three ring binder for parents and consumers to organize their information and records i s available at the Family Focus Resource Center. This i s an invaluable tool for preparation to enable families and consumers to have easy access to data regarding agencies, medical information, education and advocacy.
an up-to-date computerized database of services and agencies serving children, youths and adults with developmental disabilities in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.
information on local support groups and assistance with development of those needed in the community.
securing transition information during the life i of a person with disabilities and their family is available through ,ettraining, educational materials, and peer support.
a telephone warm line that provides resources and information in English and Spanish.