General Info

Department of Developmental Services is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Located in Sacramento, Calif., it offers services to people suffering from mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism. The department provides these services through state-operated developmental centers and contracts with more than 20 nonprofit agencies called regional centers. The developmental centers offer services that include training, care, treatment and supervision in a structured health facility setting on a 24-hour basis. Additionally, the regional centers provides services that include assessment and diagnosis , counseling , lifelong individualized planning and service coordination, early intervention services for at risk infants and their families, training and educational opportunities for individuals and families, and community education about developmental disabilities. The Department of Developmental Services is one of 13 departments and one board that comprise the California Health and Human Services Agency.