Order a Printed Guide
english español

Inclusion/Exclusion Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a set of standards to determine which agencies are listed in the printed and online Area Agency on Aging Sonoma County Aging & Disability Resource Guide (ADRG).

Background

The Sonoma County Aging & Disability Guide (ADRG) is owned and managed by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), a program of the Sonoma County Human Services Department Adult & Aging Division.

The ADRG is a source of information for Sonoma County residents about services and programs countywide that help improve the quality of life for adults age 60+, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers.

The mission of the ADRG is to list contact information for providers, services or programs that help Sonoma County older adults and adults with disabilities have access to the services and benefits available to live fully in the community.

ADRG listings are based on information provided by listed agency/organization/program representatives. Listings are subject to AAA editing and changes without notice to the listed agency/organization/program representatives.

There are multiple ways to access the Aging & Disability Guide:

  • Online Website Version: Available at sonomaseniorguide.org. The ADRG website is updated throughout the year making it the location to find the most up-to-date resources available.
  • Print Version: Reprinted at the discretion of the AAA, typically at least every other year.

Policy

The AAA sets the policy on the criteria and procedures regarding the inclusion of agencies in the ADRG. These criteria are at the discretion of the AAA.

There is no fee for inclusion.

The AAA reserves the right to prioritize and limit entry of agencies. See more information on Listing Inclusion/Exclusion below.

The AAA also reserves the right to edit information to meet format, guideline, space and taxonomy requirements without prior notification of listing agencies. It reserves the right to all editorial decisions, including ADRG design, page and category placement.

Inclusion in Aging & Disability Guide (ADRG) Listings

All ADRG agencies must provide programs and services to residents within the geographical boundaries of the County of Sonoma.

Agencies that are certified, licensed, or accredited by the appropriate levels of government as applicable must maintain valid certificates, licenses, and accreditation for consideration of inclusion (e.g. adult day care, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, home health services, and hospitals) and be in good standing.

The order of preference for ADRG inclusion is as follows (must meet one criteria):

  1. Agencies and programs that do not charge fees for service.
  2. Government and 501(c)3 non-profit agencies supporting older adults, adults with disabilities, and their care providers.
  3. Senior and disability advocacy groups and community coalitions.
  4. Unique For-Profit, commercial or private organizations may be considered for inclusion based on whether services are otherwise unavailable in Sonoma County due to a lack of comparable government, non-profit or community services.

Exclusion / Removal from ADRG Listings

If an organization/agency submits an application for inclusion and is determined to be ineligible, the AAA will respond with an explanation.

Criteria for exclusion includes:

  1. For-profit and fee-for-service organizations (unless meets #4 inclusion criteria)
  2. Individuals providing services.
  3. Private practitioners or group practices of professional services (e.g. doctors, dentists, attorneys, CPAs).
  4. Agencies that do not respond within 30 days when asked to review and return updated agency/program information.
  5. Agencies that have complaints filed with the AAA, other aging and disability network programs, the Better Business Bureau, or a regulatory entity, depending on the nature of the complaint.
  6. Agencies that knowingly or unknowingly discriminate or violate local, state, or federal discrimination laws and regulations.
  7. Agencies or person(s) that misrepresent their services in any way or provide misleading or fraudulent information to the public.
  8. Agencies that are not in compliance with federal, state, or local laws or are found to be involved in illegal practices.
  9. A listing will be removed if services have been discontinued or organization ceases to exist.

Aging & Disability Guide Legal Disclaimer

A listing in the printed or online ADRG does not constitute an AAA endorsement of any agency, program or service. Likewise, omission does not indicate disapproval.

The AAA neither guarantees nor is responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in the ADRG. While updates are regularly made to the ADRG, the ADRG user takes full responsibility to further research the included services and information.

The County of Sonoma, its departments, divisions or employees are not responsible for an action taken nor the quality of service provided by any organization listed in the ADRG. Under no circumstances shall any of the above be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages that may result from the use of the information included in the printed or online ADRG.

Contact Information

Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging

(707) 565-5950

socoaaa.org