11802-Supported Living Services- Rate Setting- Service Levels- Funding Process
Supported Living Services
Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living full, self-directed lives in their own homes and communities. Guided by the principles of inclusion, independence, and self-determination, TCRC assists individuals in identifying and achieving their preferred living arrangements, including both independent and supported living options.
The policy aligns with California’s Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) §4689-4689.05 and Title 17, California Code of Regulations (CCR) §§58600–58663, which govern Supported Living Services (SLS) for regional center clients.
TCRC will fund Supported Living Services only when the individual and planning team determine that such support is both necessary and cost-effective. The agency ensures that the services help individuals live safely and meaningfully in their communities without unnecessary restriction. The living arrangement must reflect personal choice, allowing the individual to decide where and with whom to live. The home environment should support autonomy, dignity, and personal growth, mirroring the experiences of people without disabilities. Importantly, housing and service provision must remain separate so that an individual’s tenancy is not jeopardized by a change in the service provider, as required by Title 17 CCR §58610(b).
Eligibility for Supported Living Services requires that the individual be at least 18 years of age, possesses the financial resources to cover personal living expenses (rent, food, utilities, clothing, etc.), and participates in a person-centered planning process that includes an independent needs assessment. The assessment must identify the individual’s strengths, barriers, and specific support requirements. The findings are incorporated into the Individual Program Plan (IPP), which details all supports—paid, natural, and generic. Regional center funding is authorized only after all community and natural resources have been fully explored. Consistent with WIC §4648(a)(6) and Title 17 CCR §58617(a–c), TCRC will not fund a supported living plan if its total cost exceeds that of a comparable licensed residential service option.
- The Supported Living Services process begins with a comprehensive needs assessment conducted through the person-centered planning process. This may be performed by TCRC staff or an independent evaluator as the service provider.
- The assessment identifies the individual’s goals, training opportunities, and areas where paid support may be necessary.
- A weekly or monthly Schedule of Supports is then developed, outlining all activities of daily living, training hours, and personal assistance. This schedule also documents support, such as family members, friends, or community resources, and generic services like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Shared staffing arrangements must be noted when multiple clients receive support simultaneously.
- The SLS Standardized Assessment Questionnaire is to be completed at the time of development, review, or modification of the IPP. The questionnaire, in conjunction with the service provider’s comprehensive assessment, will assist the team in determining services.
- A copy of the IHSS award, showing that the provider assisted with the IHSS application within the first five days of services and indicating that the award is expected to follow within 20 days (pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code § 12300 et seq.).”
- To comply with state regulations, TCRC must compare supported living costs to the average cost of an equivalent licensed residential facility, these levels are based on the degree of supervision and support needed—from minimal to intensive.
- If supported living expenses exceed the cost of a suitable residential facility, the regional center must explore adjustments to services, substitute lower-cost supports, or seek alternative providers.
Exceptions: Tri-Counties Regional Center recognizes that some individual needs are so unique that they may not be addressed within this procedure which may require an exception. Such requests for an exception to a Service Policy can be made through the Planning Team and exception process.
All Purchase of Service (POS) authorizations must include the individual’s name, UCI number, vendor name and number, service code (896 for SLS or 073 for Parent-Coordinated SLS), rate tier, and start and end dates. Supporting documentation must include the Schedule of Supports, IHSS award verification, cost-comparison documentation, and confirmation that requested services are consistent with the IPP and Title 17 CCR §58617 cost-effectiveness criteria.
Regular reassessment of need is required at least annually, though quarterly reviews are encouraged. During these reviews, the planning team evaluates the individual’s progress toward independence, identifies areas for skill-building, and determines whether the level or type of paid support should be reduced or modified. Cost reductions should reflect measurable outcomes achieved through training, habilitation, and community integration.
In summary, this procedure ensures that Supported Living Services are delivered in compliance with California law, emphasizing person-centered planning, cost-effectiveness, and long-term independence. The policy integrates the statutory requirements of WIC §§4646.5, 4648, and 4689-4689.05, and regulatory standards in Title 17 CCR §§58600–58663, establishing a consistent, equitable framework for determining service levels and funding for individuals receiving supported living supports through Tri-Counties Regional Center.
Revision Date: 12/2025