Disability Rights
Fighting for Equitable Services for Children with Disabilities
Case Overview
Our Client
Filing
In 2021, Padres Buscando el Cambio sued to address systemic failures at Harbor Regional Center, which provides critical services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy. The lawsuit highlighted the center’s lack of support, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, for Latinx families, revealing that Harbor Regional Center spends only 37 cents on Latinx individuals for every dollar spent on white individuals.
The lawsuit also exposed discriminatory practices, including insensitive remarks from service coordinators in response to Latinx parents seeking necessary services for their children. Retaliatory conduct would often follow when parents complained about the lack of services. Padres also sued the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for failing to take action after Padres notified the State of the discriminatory practices.
Settlement
SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 – In a landmark victory for Latinx families, Padres Buscando el Cambio reached a settlement in its lawsuit against Harbor Regional Center and DDS. The agreement represents a crucial step toward securing the care and services these families have long fought for. Under the settlement, Harbor Regional Center staff will receive training in customer service, cultural humility, and antidiscrimination, along with guidance on correcting practices that led to inequitable treatment, improving the handling of service requests, and conducting Individual Program Plan meetings.
Court
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles
Status
Settled
Case No.
21STCP03671
Filed
11/08/2021
Public counsel Legal Team
Senior Staff Attorney
our Co-Counsel
Case Developments
Settlement
09/24/2024
Plaintiff Reaches Settlements with Harbor Regional Center and DDS
Settlement Agreement with Harbor Regional Center
Press Releases
Related Media
- Sacramento Bee, California spends $14 billion on people with disabilities. Why do some go without help? – 9/07/23
- Little Hoover Commission, A System in Distress: Caring for Californians with Developmental Disabilities – 4/13/23
- California Health Report, Latinx Families Ask For Equal Services for Their Children With Disabilities – 1/27/22
- Los Angeles Times, Racial disparities persist at California regional centers for disabled kids, report says – 5/24/22
- California Health Report, For Spanish Speaking Families, an Uphill Battle for Special Needs Services. – 5/3/21
- California Health Report, How Families are Fighting Racism and Disability Discrimination. – 11/9/20
- California Health Report, California Centers that Help Those with Disabilities Spend Less on Latino Children – 6/12/19
- Sacramento Bee, That early help you need for your child doesn’t come soon enough. – 5/29/18
- Los Angeles Times, California agency ripped over disparities in autism spending. – 5/1/12
- Los Angeles Times, Warrior parents fare best in securing autism services. – 12/13/11












