How to Select the Right Independent Facilitator (IF) for Your Family

Choosing an Independent Facilitator is an important part of getting started with California's Self-Determination Program (SDP).

An Independent Facilitator, or IF, can help you understand your options, prepare for meetings, organize your plan, and find services and supports that fit your goals.

But not every IF works the same way. The person you choose should understand what you need and how you like to communicate.

Here are some things to look for.

What does an Independent Facilitator do?

An IF works with you, not as a replacement for you.

California DDS describes an IF as someone selected and directed by the participant who can help with decisions about the individual budget, finding and coordinating services, identifying needs, and taking part in the person-centered planning process.

An IF may help you:

• Prepare for your IPP meeting
• Identify your goals and support needs
• Understand SDP options
• Develop your spending plan
• Find service providers
• Compare different options
• Communicate your choices
• Coordinate with your support team
• Prepare questions for your regional center
• Think through problems when a service is not working

The amount of help you need can vary. Some people want an IF involved in many parts of their SDP planning. Others mainly want help with meetings, budgets, or finding providers.

Look for someone who listens

You should be able to talk with your IF about what you want for your life. That includes things that may be difficult to explain.

For example, you may want help with:

• Living more independently
• Finding a job
• Getting around your community
• Making friends
• Managing daily tasks
• Learning new skills
• Finding activities you enjoy
• Having more control over your schedule
• Getting support at home

Your IF should make space for your preferences. You should not feel like you have to agree with everything they suggest.

Ask how they communicate

Communication style matters. Some people prefer phone calls. Others prefer email or text. Some people need information in writing so they have time to read it and think about it. Some people find long meetings difficult and prefer shorter conversations.

You can ask an IF:

• How do you usually communicate?
• Can you send information by email?
• Can you explain things in plain language?
• Can I have time to think before making a decision?
• Are you comfortable communicating with someone who uses a communication device?
• Can you provide written notes after meetings?

There is no single communication style that works for everyone. The important thing is finding one that works for you.

Ask about their experience

An IF does not have to have a specific professional license or certification. California DDS says IFs are not required to have certification or licensure. They are required to receive training in self-determination, person-centered planning, and their responsibilities as an IF.

You can still ask about their background. For example:

• How long have you worked with SDP?
• What training have you completed?
• How many participants do you currently support?
• Have you worked with adults?
• Have you worked with families?
• Are you familiar with my regional center?
• Have you helped create SDP spending plans?
• Have you helped people find providers?
• How do you handle disagreements with a regional center?

Their answers can help you understand whether their experience matches what you need.

Make sure they are independent

Independence is part of the IF role. Under California law, an IF is selected and directed by the participant and cannot also be providing services to that participant through their IPP, or be employed by someone who does.

This matters because your IF should be able to help you weigh your choices without being tied to a provider you are considering.

Ask about possible conflicts of interest. For example: "Do you receive money from any of the providers you may recommend to me?" You should understand the answer before you agree to work together.

Ask about their availability

Your IF may help with meetings, planning, provider searches, and changes to your spending plan. Ask how much time they can give you.

You might ask:

• How often can we meet?
• How quickly do you usually respond?
• What happens if I have a question between meetings?
• Will you attend my IPP meetings?
• How much notice do you need before a meeting?
• What happens if you are unavailable?

It is better to know these things before you start working together.

Talk about fees

The cost of an IF is paid from the participant’s individual budget, not covered separately by the regional center the way Financial Management Services are. That means IF costs need to be planned for as part of your SDP budget and spending plan.

Ask the IF:

• What is your hourly rate?
• How do you bill?
• Do you bill for travel?
• Do you bill for phone calls or emails?
• Do you charge for meeting preparation?
• How will I know how many hours I have used?
• Will you provide invoices or other records?

DDS publishes SDP service rates by regional center, and rates and rules can change, so check current DDS or regional center information when planning your budget.

Pay attention to how you feel during the conversation

You do not need to choose an IF just because they have experience. You also need to feel comfortable working with them.

After an introductory call, ask yourself:

• Did they listen to me?
• Did they answer my questions?
• Did I understand what they were saying?
• Did they respect my choices?
• Did they give me time to think?
• Could I tell them when I disagree?
• Would I feel comfortable asking them for help?

These questions can tell you a lot.

Ask about their approach to self-direction

SDP is built around participant choice and control. Your IF should understand that the participant is the person making decisions about their life and supports.

Ask: "What does self-direction mean to you?"

You can also ask: "What happens if I want something different from what my IPP team expects?" Or: "How do you help someone speak up when they disagree with a recommendation?"

Their answers can help you understand how they work.

You do not have to choose quickly

It is okay to talk with more than one IF before making your decision. Make a short list of people who seem like a possible fit, then have a conversation with each person.

Use the same questions with everyone so it is easier to compare your options. You may also want to include the person who receives services in the conversation whenever possible. Their preferences should guide the choice.

A simple IF interview checklist

You can save this list and use it when talking with potential IFs.

Experience

• What is your experience with SDP?
• What training have you completed?
• Do you work with people like me?

Communication

• How do you communicate?
• How quickly do you respond?
• Can you explain things in plain language?
• Can you provide information in writing?

Planning

• How do you help with IPP meetings?
• How do you help develop a spending plan?
• How do you help find providers?

Independence

• Do you have any conflicts of interest?
• Do you receive money from providers you recommend?

Availability

• How often can we meet?
• Can you attend meetings with me?
• What happens when you are unavailable?

Cost

• What is your rate?
• What activities do you bill for?
• How will I track the hours?

Fit

• How do you make sure the participant’s choices guide the plan?
• What happens when we disagree?

The right IF is someone you can work with

There is no single type of person who makes a good IF for every participant. You may need someone who is highly organized. You may want someone who knows your regional center’s processes. You may want someone who is comfortable advocating during meetings.

Or you may mainly need someone who can sit down with you, explain your choices, and help you turn your ideas into a plan.

Take your time. Ask questions. Choose someone who respects your decisions and communicates in a way that works for you.

Abrite FMS can help you understand the financial side of the Self-Determination Program, including how your individual budget and spending plan work.