>> VCAAA Transition FAQ v2 (PDF)
VCAAA Transition Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
(updated 2/17/2026)
- What is changing?
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) programs will transition from being administered by the Human Services Agency (HSA) to another entity. Oversight of the transition will be managed by the California Department of Aging (CDA), which will select a new operator to administer Area Agency on Aging (AAA) services in Ventura County.
- When will this transition take place?
The transition is planned to be completed by July 1, 2026. HSA provided CDA with more than the required six-month notice, allowing additional time for planning and selection of a new provider by CDA.
- Will AAA services continue during and after the transition?
Yes. It is anticipated that the new provider will maintain all core AAA programs funded by state and/or federal allocations, with oversight by CDA to help minimize disruption. The County contracts with 35 local partners who administer a range of AAA services, so much of the work is already being done by these partners.
- Why did HSA decide to transition VCAAA services?
HSA made this decision after several months of careful analysis and fiscal review. AAA services are valuable but are not mandated programs for local government. As funding becomes more constrained, HSA must prioritize County resources for programs it is legally required to operate, such as Adult Protective Services (APS), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Long-Term Care Medi-Cal.
- How do budget pressures factor into this decision?
HSA faces increasing fiscal pressure related to mandated programs and funding risks, including cost shifts to local government due to new federal rules. Continuing to fund non-mandated programs with County general fund dollars could place those programs at risk in the future. Transitioning AAA services allows County resources to be focused on mandated services while preserving AAA programs through other means.
- Is the County no longer serving older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers?
HSA will continue to serve older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers through its Aging & Disability Services programs, including APS and IHSS, both of which have growing caseloads, and through Long-Term Medi-Cal. HSA will also continue to partner with the future AAA administrator to ensure strong referral networks and coordinated services.
- Was a human impact analysis conducted as part of this decision?
HSA conducted a complete fiscal and operational analysis as part of its decision-making process. HSA does not anticipate significant human impacts because core AAA services are expected to continue under a new operator, with CDA oversight throughout the transition.
- Who will choose the new organization to run AAA services?
CDA will select a new AAA after issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP).
- Which core programs will be required?
The RFP published by CDA outlines these programs.
- Is this type of arrangement common?
Yes. The 33 AAAs across the state are administered by counties, non-profit organizations, joint power authorities and a city.
- How will continuity of services be ensured?
HSA and CDA have jointly developed a detailed transition plan. Planning includes regular coordination meetings (to which the chair of the VCAAA Advisory Council is invited). CDA has indicated that the goal of the transition process is to minimize disruption to the service network while a new AAA operator is selected and onboarded.
- How will a new provider be prepared to administer core programs it has not previously operated?
CDA will evaluate this during the RFP process. The goal is to have a warm handoff between Ventura County and the new AAA provider with CDA oversight and support to ensure continuity of services.
- How can contracted service providers be assured that the July 1 transition won’t affect their services?
A new AAA provider is expected to be selected/announced in April 2026. HSA plans to work closely with this organization for a successful onboarding, including providing relevant information regarding services and contracts. Funding commitments vary annually for AAA programming. Contracts will be reviewed by the new provider upon their onboarding. CDA will make every effort to minimize the disruption of services.
- How will people be kept informed during this process?
Communications and engagement activities are part of the overall transition plan. HSA will provide updates at VCAAA Advisory Council meetings. The VCAAA website will be updated with current information.
Following the VCAAA Transition Stakeholder Forum held in Ventura on Jan. 28, 2026, a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for the East County. An email list of participants from the initial forum, along with Advisory Council members, vendors/contractors and other interested parties, has been compiled to facilitate information sharing.
Beginning in February, following VCAAA’s regular meetings with CDA, virtual meetings will be held with interested parties to provide updates. VCAAA will also conduct meetings with interested vendors to discuss questions and concerns.
- Will current VCAAA staff lose their jobs?
Approximately 15 VCAAA staff members will have the opportunity to transfer into other roles within the Human Services Agency.
- What will happen to the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)?
ADRC services will continue through June 30, 2026. By law, an ADRC must be established through a joint application process involving an AAA and an Independent Living Center. Effective July 1, 2026, the core local AAA-ILC partnership in Ventura County will conclude. Once a new AAA is selected for Ventura County, the AAA and ILC may explore pursuing an ADRC partnership. If they wish to do so, they may contact CDA regarding next steps.
- Why is California SB 1249, which addresses the designation of AAAs, not part of this process or affect its timeline?
California SB 1249 has been adopted as part of California Welfare and Institutions Code section 9002. The provisions of section 9002 will not impact the county’s voluntary withdrawal under 22 CCR 7210, nor do they alter the timeline for the RFP and subsequent AAA designation under 22 CCR 7206, et. seq.
- How will the Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF) change for our PSA?
According to CDA, using current data, the new IFF would result in a decrease of about 3.6% for PSA 18. This is subject to change. The new IFF will be implemented over a two-year period, per CDA, with half of the decrease taking effect each year.
- Has the County discussed changes to PSA geographic boundaries?
The County has not discussed changes to PSA geographic boundaries.
- Is there a possibility of PSA expansion, contraction or consolidation with Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo counties? Could a combined RFP for multiple counties be issued?
PSA boundary changes are allowed under California law per 22 CCR 7202. For the rules governing multi-county AAAs, please see 22 CCR 7200 et. seq. The RFP published by CDA states that the area to be served is Ventura County.
- What is the overall goal of this transition?
The transition is intended to achieve two key goals:
- Ensure County resources are focused on mandated programs.
- Preserve AAA services through another operator.
HSA believes this approach offers a balanced, sustainable path forward while keeping clients at the center of services.
- How can I contribute to the success of this transition?
All organizations and individuals with an interest in supporting Ventura County’s network of services for older adults and people with disabilities are encouraged to consider the following questions and provide input, which will be forwarded to CDA for consideration:
- What key factors should CDA consider when reviewing proposals submitted in response to the RFP for a new administrator of AAA services?
- In comparison to the current practice, what could the new administrator of AAA services do (more, less and/or differently) to ensure even greater support for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers in our community?
Please email Alisa Sanchez (Alisa.Sanchez@VenturaCounty.gov) with any thoughts you would like to provide.