Preguntas frecuentes sobre la transición de VCAAA
(updated 1/12/2026)
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.
Will AAA services continue during and after the transition?
Yes. AAA services will continue to be available to Ventura County residents without interruption. It is anticipated that the new provider will maintain all core AAA programs funded by state and/or federal allocations. 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.
Who will choose the new organization to run AAA services?
In this instance, CDA anticipates selecting a new AAA after issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP).
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 are jointly developing a detailed transition plan. This includes regular coordination meetings (to which the chair of the VCAAA Advisory Council is invited), communication with contractors and partners, and proactive outreach to clients and community stakeholders to minimize disruption.
How will people be kept informed during this process?
Communications and engagement activities will be part of the overall transition plan. HSA will provide updates at VCAAA Advisory Council meetings. HSA will share information with clients, care providers, community-based organizations and other stakeholders via email communications or other means. The VCAAA website will be updated with current information.
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 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.
