SDP Spending Plan Classification: Service Code 371

The Pando Bridge Collective can absolutely be classified under Service Code 371: Training and Counseling Services for Unpaid Caregivers.

Here is how our parental mentoring services align with the strict definition of this service category:

Why we fit Service Code 371

Per the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) SDP service definitions, Service Code 371 is specifically reserved for services, training, or counseling that increase the caregiver's ability to care for, support, and advocate for the participant.

Parent Mentorship as "Training"

A parent mentor does not provide direct care to your child. Instead, they provide you (the unpaid caregiver) with training on how to navigate the regional center, how to maximize the SDP budget, how to implement behavioral or organizational strategies at home, and how to effectively self-advocate.

Individualized Guidance

While Comfort Connection offers generic training workshops, Pando Bridge provides the tailored, one-on-one professional mentorship that justifies allocating dedicated funding within an individualized SDP budget.

Justification for Your Spending Plan

When writing the description for this line item in your RCOC spending plan, you should explicitly structure the request to focus on caregiver capability:

Sample Spending Plan Description

"One-on-one parent mentorship and training from the Pando Bridge Collective to assist the unpaid caregiver in developing advocacy skills, navigating complex service systems, and learning strategies to implement the participant's IPP goals effectively within the home environment."

Key Distinction

Ensure the regional center understands that this service is entirely focused on instructing and supporting you (the parent), which directly fits the mandate of Code 371.

Pending

pending