National Core Indicators
California law (Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 4571) requires the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to identify and implement a nationally validated quality assessment tool that enables DDS to monitor the performance of California's developmental disabilities service system and assess quality and performance among regional centers.
The National Core Indicator (NCI) survey instrument was chosen as the quality assessment tool in 2009. NCI is a multi-state collaboration with developmental disability agencies in forty-one states and the District of Columbia voluntarily participating.
This data collection effort gives DDS the ability to evaluate the quality and performance of the regional centers as well as California's entire developmental service system. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), through the local Regional Offices, collects the data for this project using the NCI survey instrument. California law requires SCDD to conduct these family surveys with individuals and families served by the Regional Centers.
The NCI Family Surveys consist of 3 different survey types:
- Child Family Survey which is a written survey that is completed by families of a child (ages 3-17 years old) who lives in the family home.
- Adult Family Survey which is a written survey that is completed by families of an adult (age 18 and over) who lives in the family home.
- Family Guardian Survey which is a written survey that is completed by families and conservators of individuals (age 18 and over) who live in a community placement.
The NCI survey is important for DDS and Regional Centers to learn about the California service delivery system, compare results with other states, and to give an opportunity to collaborate on any national initiatives. The aggregated data that results from NCI surveys are used to inform strategic planning, produce legislative reports, and prioritize quality improvement initiatives.
As a family member or individual served by ELARC, you may receive a survey from the SCDD. This survey will ask what you think about the services you receive from the developmental disabilities system. Your opinions will help improve services and supports in California. To assist DDS and SCDD in this very important endeavor, persons served and their families are encouraged to participate in the NCI Family Surveys.
All responses to the surveys are confidential and all identifying information such as names are not used in public reports.
Information about the NCI
For more information about the NCI:
National Core Indicators Full Reports