Developmental services: initial intake: assessment.

Assembly Member Bryan's legislation revises California's developmental services system to expedite assessments for foster children and strengthen data reporting requirements for regional centers. The bill modifies initial intake procedures by requiring regional centers to conduct full assessments for foster children not deemed eligible within the standard 15-day intake period, while prohibiting denials based solely on incomplete documentation or age of diagnosis.

Under the new provisions, regional centers must complete assessments for foster children within 60 days of initial intake, matching the accelerated timeline currently reserved for cases involving health and safety risks. The legislation requires centers to assist in obtaining necessary documentation rather than delaying assessments due to missing records. Regional centers must also provide standardized information packets in multiple languages and formats explaining available services, consumer rights, and system navigation.

The Department of Developmental Services will publish annual data for each regional center, including intake volumes, processing times, assessment outcomes, and demographic information about service denials. This reporting covers both the general population and foster children specifically, tracking metrics such as the percentage of cases exceeding statutory timelines and the number of eligibility determinations challenged through appeals processes. The data requirements aim to document service access patterns and regional center compliance with intake and assessment mandates.