About Department of Developmental Services Case Type
OAH contracts with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide mediations and due process hearings for various programs.
Below is additional information about the various DDS programs and case types heard at OAH. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who hears the case is an impartial judge employed by OAH.
Department of Developmental Services Case Types by Program
The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities was enacted in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; 20; U.S.C., Section 1431 et seq.). This program is California's implementation of federal legislation to ensure that a coordinated, family-centered system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers (0-3 years) is available statewide. If an applicant or recipient is dissatisfied with a regional center's decision, the consumer may file a request for a mediation and/or fair hearing. Requests for mediation and/or hearing can be submitted to the regional center or directly to OAH.
Mediations and hearings are conducted as required by Chapter 7 of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act ("Lanterman Act"), Welfare and Institutions Code section 4700 et seq., and all implementing regulations. Through regional centers and other agencies, the State of California provides valuable services to people with developmental disabilities. These services are coordinated by DDS and authorized by the Lanterman Act. To qualify for state funding, a regional center or developmental center (also called a service agency) must ensure that its decisions are fair and in the recipient's best interest. When a recipient is dissatisfied with a center's decision, the Lanterman Act permits the recipient to file a request for a mediation and/or fair hearing. Request for mediation and/or hearing can be submitted to the service agency or directly with OAH.
DDS Case Type Resources and Forms
For additional resources about Department of Developmental Services case type, click the Resources button below.
For forms related to Department of Developmental Services case type, click the Forms button below.
Other Department of Developmental Services Programs at OAH (These programs are considered APA case type)
The DDS may conduct an audit of a service provider’s/vendor’s program to ensure that its program conforms with fiscal requirements pursuant to Title 17, CCR, section 50700 et seq. The service provider/vendor may dispute DDS’ audit findings if they do not agree by filing an appeal with DDS.
DDS is responsible for the criminal record review of all current or prospective employees of vendors of Family Home Agencies or Family Homes as established by Welfare and Institutions Code section 4689. If a vendor employee is denied a criminal exemption by DDS, the employee may file an appeal of the denial under Welfare and Institutions Code section 4689.6, with DDS.
A vendorized community care facility may appeal the actions taken by a regional center regarding service level disapproval, sanctions, findings of substantial inadequacy or immediate danger, or enforcement of any requirement by the regional center which is not contained in Title 17, California Code of Regulations. The appeal is filed with DDS.
