California § 56406 - The department shall issue requests for proposals, select grantees, and award gra

§ 56406. The department shall issue requests for proposals, select grantees, and award gra

(a) The department shall issue requests for proposals, select grantees, and award grants pursuant to this chapter. Grants awarded to Family Empowerment Centers on Disability by the department shall be based upon a formula that does both of the following: (1) Establishes a minimum base rate of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for each center to provide the basic services pursuant to this chapter and serve parents and families of children and young adults 3 to 18 years of age, inclusive, and young adults 19 to 22 years of age, inclusive, who had an individualized education program before their 18th birthday. (2) Establishes an allocation mechanism that is determined according to school enrollment of the region served. (b) Commencing on July 1, 2021, grants awarded to Family Empowerment Centers on Disability by the department shall be based upon a formula that does both of the following: (1) Establishes a minimum base rate of two hundred forty-six thousand dollars ($246,000) for each center to provide the basic services pursuant to this chapter and serve parents and families of children and young adults 3 to 18 years of age, inclusive, and young adults 19 to 22 years of age, inclusive, who had an individualized education program before their 18th birthday. (2) Establishes an allocation mechanism that is determined according to school enrollment of the region served. (c) The department shall give positive consideration to applicants proposing to establish new Family Empowerment Centers on Disability to serve regions that have high concentrations of pupils who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. (d) Each grant applicant shall demonstrate all of the following: (1) Knowledge of the needs of underserved parents and families of children and young adults with disabilities in the area to be served will be effectively met. (2) The ability to conduct effective community engagement to assess family needs on a regular basis. (3) Expertise in providing effective training and information to parents and families to meet their identified needs. (4) How services will be delivered in a manner that accomplishes all of the following: (A) All families have access to services regardless of cultural, linguistic, geographical, socioeconomic, or other similar barriers. (B) Services are provided in accordance with families’ linguistic and cultural preferences and needs. (C) Services are coordinated with the existing family support organizations within the region, including, but not limited to, Early Start Family Resource Centers, or other organizations that provide family support for parents of children with disabilities up to three years of age. (D) Promotes positive parent and professional collaboration with local educational agencies, special education local plan areas, and other community agencies.