Aging & Disability Resource Connection

The growing number of Californians seeking Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) often results in local leaders exploring service delivery improvements using the ADRC (“No Wrong Door”) partnership model. Local government and non-profit organizations may begin an ADRC partnership by contacting CDA at any time. CDA provides emerging ADRC organizations with general information updates and technical assistance for planning a local ADRC partnership. Letters of Intent to form an ADRC partnership and/or inquiries may be submitted to ADRC@aging.ca.gov.

CDA has developed guidance to assist local partnerships in planning, developing and implementing ADRC programs:

• Making the most of ADRC Partnership
• ADRC Self-Assessment Tool
• Letter of Intent for State Designation

• Streamlined Information and Services to Consumers: Consumers of any age, disability, or income level can contact any one ADRC partner organization to access a wide array of Long-Term Services and Support options offered by ADRC partners in the community.
• Community Collaboration: ADRCs have the opportunity to collaborate with local health care systems, veterans’ organizations, independent living organizations, and aging service organizations to enhance access to public and private programs/services for consumers and strengthen resources for each partner organization.
• Maximization of Resources: ADRC partnerships can maximize existing resources and streamline consumers’ access to services through shared program intake, application assistance, service provider information, and staffing and funding resources.
• No Cost Technical Assistance: ADRCs are provided guidance for planning and maintaining ADRC partnerships and services.

Local organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Intent to let the California Department of Aging know about efforts to establish a local ADRC partnership. CDA supplies information and technical assistance to local organizations for putting together the building blocks of the ADRC model. A successful application meets the State’s standards outlined in the ADRC Designation Criteria. Refer to the guidance documents linked below for more information.

ADRC Designation Criteria – California’s ADRC Designation Criteria are based on the federal Administration on Community Living (ACL) No Wrong Door (ADRC) Key Elements and were developed in collaboration with stakeholders. The ADRC Designation Criteria serve as consistent hallmarks of quality for each ADRC partnership.

ADRC Designation/Re-Designation Process – CDA has updated its designation/re-designation process effective October 2019 to streamline the designation process for ensuring the integrity of the ADRC Partnership model as described in State statute (WIC 9120) and preparing designated and emerging ADRC partnerships for the ADRC Infrastructure Grants Program (WIC 9121).

ADRC Designation/Re-Designation Evaluation Tool – This tool may be used by applicants and the ADRC Designation Review Panel to evaluate whether applications fulfill the identified ADRC Key Indicators for becoming a State-designated ADRC.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – A successful ADRC Designation Application results in a formal Memorandum of Understanding between each core ADRC partner organization and CDA. The agreement between the State and local ADRC partners ensures ongoing ADRC quality.

Questions about ADRC topics may be sent to ADRC@aging.ca.gov.