Social Hangout
Social recreation through the Regional Center of Orange County
Updated · Reviewed by the BFF team
Social recreation services help adults with developmental disabilities take part in social and leisure activities in the community. California regional centers can fund them again since July 2021, and since July 2023 they can't require a copayment for them. To ask about social recreation, talk to your Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) service coordinator and request it through your IPP.
What is social recreation?
Social recreation means activities people do for fun and friendship: outings, classes, sports, and group events in the community. For adults with developmental disabilities, these activities are often where friendships start and everyday skills get practiced.
What changed in California
- July 2021: California restored regional centers' ability to fund social recreation.
- July 2023: regional centers can no longer require a copayment for these services.
Rules have changed several times, so your service coordinator is the best source for what applies to your family today.
How to ask RCOC about social recreation
- Tell your service coordinator what the person enjoys and which activities they'd like to try.
- Ask to add social recreation to the IPP (Individual Program Plan).
- Ask which providers are available, and whether the activity costs of each outing are covered.
- Look through RCOC's yearly Recreation Resource Guide on rcocdd.com for more ideas.
BFF's Social Hangout
Social Hangout is BFF's Saturday program of age-appropriate outings in the community for adults with developmental disabilities. It is vendored by RCOC (vendor PM6237). Each outing lists its meeting time and activity cost, and families choose dates and sign up online. Before paying for an outing, ask what the authorized service covers. Read more about making friends as an adult.
Frequently asked questions
Do regional centers pay for social recreation in California?
They can again since July 2021. Ask your service coordinator what applies to your family and request it through the IPP.
Is there a copayment?
Since July 2023, regional centers can't require a copayment or shared payment for social recreation services. Before paying for an outing, ask what the authorized service covers and what's optional.
Is BFF's Social Hangout an RCOC vendor?
Yes. Social Hangout is vendored by the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC vendor PM6237).
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