The Merging of Best Practices and State Policy in the IFSP Process in California

Abstract

In this article we describe one state's approach to developing programmatic and administrative models for IFSP implementation and discuss the policy implications of those models. The micromodel provides a description of processes that can be used to develop and implement IFSPs based on best practices at the child-family-professional level. Three macromodels that address changes in state policy and administrative structure to enhance cross-agency collaboration are also described. The article concludes with a description of experts' opinions of the models and a series of policy questions that must be addressed prior to full implementation of P.L. 99--457.