California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 4830

(a) “Continuum” means a coordinated multicomponent services system within geographic regions of the state whose design shall support the sequential developmental needs of persons so that the pattern of these services provides an unbroken chain of experience, maximum personal growth, and liberty.

(b) “Normalization” means making available programs, methods, and titles that are culturally normative, and patterns and conditions of everyday life that are as close as possible to the norms and patterns of the mainstream of society.

(c) “Designated agency” means the legal entity selected by the State Department of Developmental Services to be responsible for organizing or providing services within each continuum or both.