I am in california, and working with Regional Center of Orange County and believe they have cost me over $10,000

Question

I was offered various services and programs that would cover the costs of childcare for my kids. The paperwork for these programs began in 08/23. I was told it would take a month or two to complete. During that time I interviewed and eventually hired on someone that would provide said childcare with the understanding I would be compensated for this. As it would be prohibitively expensive otherwise and outside my budget. 
 
Eventually, I was told several times all my paperwork was done, and yet no action was taken by RCOC to complete the promised program. I was told my RCOC that I had done everything I needed to, and a vendor, 24 Hour Homecare, was contacted to hire on my caregiver, Janelle, so she would be their employee and RCOC would pay her hourly rate. 
 
She was hired 12/23 and to this day, 2/21/24, RCOC has failed to complete the paperwork and I am out well over $10,000 in childcare costs I only incurred because of written promises from RCOC. 
 
Do I have grounds sue?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Yes, it seems you may have grounds to sue the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) here. A few key points here: 
 
- RCOC offered and initiated services/programs to cover childcare costs starting in August 2023. This created a reliance on their representations. 
 
- Based on RCOC's assurances the paperwork was in order, you hired and paid for a caregiver out of pocket starting in December 2023. 
 
- RCOC failed to complete the paperwork and approvals to pay the caregiver as promised. This has caused you over $10,000 in childcare expenses you would not have otherwise incurred. 
 
- The delays, false assurances, and failure to pay by RCOC despite their written promises have directly caused you financial harm. 
 
This type of detrimental reliance and direct financial harm due to RCOC not fulfilling services they initiated and promised in writing would likely constitute a valid legal claim against them. Elements like promising coverage, stating paperwork was complete, and directing you to hire a caregiver show negligence and breach of duty. 
 
I would recommend consulting with a local civil litigation or personal injury attorney to further discuss the details and timeline. But from the information provided, it does appear you have a case to recover the $10,000+ in childcare costs directly stemming from RCOC's failed follow-through. The attorney can help build the strongest argument around promissory estoppel and ensure you meet filing and notice requirements for a suit against the state entity.

Q: I am in california, and working with Regional Center of Orange County and believe they have cost me over $10,000