Quality Assessment Project

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), conducts quality assessment interviews using the nationally recognized National Core Indicators (NCI) assessment tool.

The core indicators are standard measures used across states to assess the outcomes of services provided to individuals and families. Indicators address key areas of concern including employment, rights, service planning, community inclusion, choice, and health and safety. In addition, California collects data on the Self-Determination Program and other state-specific outcomes

There are four types of NCI-IDD surveys used in California:

Adult In-Person Survey (IPS)

The In-Person Survey is conducted face-to-face or remotely with individuals who are 18 years or older, have an intellectual/developmental disability, and receive at least one service from the regional center, in addition to case management.

Child Family Survey (CFS)

The Child Family Survey is a mailed survey that can be completed on paper or online by parents or guardians who live with the child. The child must be between 3 and 17 years old, have an intellectual/developmental disability, and receive at least one service from the regional center, in addition to case management.

Adult Family Survey (AFS)

The Adult Family Survey is a mailed survey that can be completed on paper or online by parents or guardians who live with an adult family member with an intellectual/developmental disability. The individual must be 18 years old or older, have an intellectual/developmental disability, and receive at least one service from the regional center, in addition to case management.

Family/Guardian Survey (FGS)

The Family/Guardian Survey is a mailed survey conducted with families or guardians of an adult family member who is 18 years or older, has an intellectual/developmental disability, and does not live with their family or guardian. The individual must also receive at least one service from the regional center, in addition to case management.

In California, the Adult In-Person Survey (IPS) and the three family surveys (CFS, AFS, and FGS) are conducted in alternating years to ensure continuous data collection.

Using the Data

Responses to these surveys provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals and families. This information helps California identify opportunities for improvement and guide policy and program changes to strengthen the quality of services at both the local and statewide levels. Data is collected from all 21 regional centers across California.

Additional Resources:

• NCI: What to expect during an NCI interview (video)
• NCI: reports analyzing the collective responses from past data collection periods. 
• NCI: reports for each Regional Center
• 2025-26 FY Award Notification—IFB–QAP-2025Y17A & QAP-2025Y17b