Services

Families of children with disabilities in California may be eligible for a range of public programs and support services.

Joining Puzzles provides informational and administrative navigation support to assist families in understanding program structures, requirements, and coordination across systems.

IHSS

IIHSS navigation and application support helps families understand and manage California’s In-Home Supportive Services program, a county-administered benefit that provides paid in-home assistance for individuals with disabilities.

We guide families through the IHSS process so they can complete requirements accurately, stay compliant, and reduce delays, misunderstandings, or avoidable denials.

We assist families with:

  • Clarifying IHSS eligibility and program structure

  • Preparing and submitting applications and supporting documentation

  • Navigating initial assessments and reassessments

  • Reviewing Notices of Action (NOAs) for clarity and next steps

  • Supporting communication with IHSS social workers

  • Explaining provider set-up options (including live-in rules) and timesheet/EVV requirements

Our goal is to help families obtain authorized hours that appropriately reflect the client’s functional needs, while reducing administrative burden and improving long-term stability.
Final determinations regarding eligibility and authorized hours are made solely by IHSS

Regional Center

Regional Center navigation services help families understand and work within California’s Regional Center system. Regional Centers are nonprofit organizations designated by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

We help families prepare for key milestones, organize records, and communicate effectively, so participation in planning is informed, structured, and practical.

We assist families with:

  • Understanding eligibility, service categories, and common timelines

  • Preparing for initial and annual IPP meetings

  • Organizing evaluations, reports, and supporting documentation

  • Providing information and navigation support when identifying service vendors/providers aligned with the participant’s needs and IPP goals

  • Supporting coordination related to Financial Management Services (FMS), including required paperwork and day-to-day administrative steps

  • Providing guidance on the use of General Resources (such as school-based supports, IHSS, insurance), including helping families understand which needs are typically addressed through General Resources and which supports may be considered through the Regional Center.

Our goal is to help families participate confidently and consistently in the planning and implementation of supports, while ensuring that services are coordinated and can be effectively integrated into daily life.

Final determinations regarding eligibility, authorized services, funding, service levels, are made solely by the Regional Center

Training & Counseling for Unpaid Caregivers (under SDP)

Training & Counseling for Unpaid Caregivers is a caregiver-focused service intended for family members and other individuals who provide unpaid care, guidance, supervision, or support to an SDP participant. Support is educational and consultative in nature and aligns with the participant’s existing IPP/PCP.

This service is designed to strengthen caregiver skills and preparedness so daily supports can be carried out safely and consistently in home and community settings.

This service includes support with:

  • Understanding services and supports identified in the IPP/PCP and how they apply in day-to-day routines

  • Practical caregiver coaching on implementing strategies that promote safety, predictability, and continuity

  • Guidance on using tools, routines, and approaches relevant to the participant’s needs (as reflected in the IPP/PCP)

  • Caregiver communication and coordination with providers, FMS, IF and Regional Center teams, focused on day-to-day implementation

  • Practical strategies to manage caregiver stress, reduce burnout risk, and sustain caregiving capacity over time

  • Support during transitions or changing needs, focused on caregiver readiness and adjustment

    Services are provided for unpaid caregivers and are intended to support the caregiver’s role in maintaining stability, safety, and consistency for the participant

    SDP category: Training & Counseling for Unpaid Caregivers, service code: 371

Joining Puzzles provides navigation and administrative support only. We do not provide legal, medical, clinical, or direct services, and we do not determine eligibility, authorize services, approve budgets, or control funding or payment decisions for Regional Center, IHSS, or any other public benefit program.