(a) The department shall establish a community navigator program to promote the utilization of generic and regional center services by using community leaders, family members, or self-advocates to provide information and guidance to consumers and their families who could benefit from added support to navigate available resources.

1. (1) The program shall be structured to utilize individuals and families who are receiving or have received regional center services to provide education to those individuals who are or may be eligible for regional center services regarding the developmental disabilities services system, agencies available to assist them, and other available resources.
2. (2) The program shall focus on cultural and linguistic competency in supporting individuals and families to improve equitable access to regional center services.

(c) The department shall allocate funding to family resource centers to administer community navigator programs.

1. (1) To the extent possible, each funded program shall share a culture or ethnicity, or both, community, and language with the individuals and families they support when offering assistance and education to reduce barriers in accessing services.
2. (2) Each program funded pursuant to this subdivision shall assist individuals and families in accessing and utilizing generic and regional center services in their communities, including, but not limited to, assistance in building trust with regional center staff, education on available services, guidance on how to request needed services, and support from peers in the community who have experience with the regional center system.