Guardianship Assistance

The center provides services for people of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families who live in the counties of Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare. Individuals must have a disability due to autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation or a disabling condition closely related to mental retardation or requiring similar treatment, which began before their 18th birthday and is expected to continue indefinitely. At risk infants and toddlers, and individuals who are at risk of having a child with a developmental disability may also qualify for services. The center does not serve individuals with disabling conditions that are solely physical in nature. Geographic and other restrictions apply.

Direct client services include assessment, diagnosis and early intervention; advocacy and education; case management; counseling; court-ordered evaluations; and specialized information and referral. The center purchases additional services from contracting agencies for clients who could not otherwise afford them. Clients may be eligible to receive life-long services.

Support groups, assistance with guardianship and conservatorship, and other support services are also available. Clients are referred to contracting agencies for specialized services such as activity centers; independent living skills instruction; behavioral, speech and occupational therapy; out-of-home care; and sheltered workshops.

Medi-Cal eligible youth, ages 0-18, may receive developmental assessment services and behavior modification therapy through the CHDP program.

Early intervention is available for children, age 3 and younger, who have special needs. Eligible children under 24 months at the time of referral must show a 33% delay in one or more areas of development. Eligible children over 24 months at the time of referral must show a 50% delay in one area of development or a 33% delay in two or more areas of development.

Prevention services include genetic counseling and prenatal evaluations for women who are at risk of giving birth to a developmentally disabled child, and have been denied Medi-Cal. Eligible women will be age 35 or older at the time of delivery; have chronic conditions or have been exposed to teratogens during pregnancy; or have a history of miscarriages, stillbirths or a family history of birth defects of mental retardation.