Supported Living And Community Living: Five Principles of SLS and Resources

Supported Living Services

In the late 1980’s it was finally realized that a new service type was needed in California and several staff at DDS, including Julia Mullen and Margaret Anderson, supported a new model.  In 1990, DDS formed a Supported Living Advisory Committee.  The Advisory Committee agreed upon the following definition:  Supported living services are an array of services that are available to anyone who desires (or whose family, advocate, or conservator desires for her or him when someone cannot express their own choice) facilitation, instruction, support, and assistance to live in the home of his or her choice.

This thinking about what SLS IS and IS NOT is from a retreat hosted by ASA and CIRCL and facilitated by John O’Brien

The California Department of Developmental Services adopted the Five Principles of Supported Living after collaboration with several advocates including; Bill Allen, John Shea, Claudia Bolton, Becky Donofrio, Joe Donofrio, Vicki Vining, Joan Schmidt, and Kathy Campbell.  Shortly thereafter the regulations for SLS were written in 1995 and included reference to these principles.   http://www.dds.ca.gov/SLS/Index.cfm.

The Five Principles of Supported and Community Living

A Home of One's Own

• Individuals live in homes that they own, lease or rent like other members of their community.
• They choose where they live and with whom, and they control what happens in their home.
• Individuals are secure in their homes and do not have to move if their needs, their services or their service agency changes.
• Individuals are safe in their home and neighborhood.

Choice and Self-Directed

• An Individual makes his or her own everyday choices.
• Individuals plan for their futures.
• They direct the services they receive and have a choice of agencies and staff.
• Individuals are supported (e.g. technology, communication devices, behavioral support) to communicate their preferences, choices and needs.
• Individuals are satisfied with the services they receive.

Relationships

• An individual has family, friends and neighbors who support him or her in regular ways or as paid help.
• The individual and his or her circle of support work together as a team with the supported living agency and others to share responsibility for his or her well-being.

Community Membership

• An Individual fully participates in the mainstream of community life.
• Individuals have opportunities to join clubs, groups, and churches.
• Individuals use local community resources and generic services.

Flexible, Tailored Services and Supports

• An Individual has a service plan, which is developed through a person-centered planning process.
• The plan reflects the support that the individual wants and needs.
• Services are provided in the person's home and community at times when they are preferred.
• Services offer the individual opportunities to increase competence, confidence and quality of life.

For more information about Supported Living take a look at the California Supported Living Network website http://www.supportedliving.com.  There is a good section on Myths and Facts.

CIRCL Developed Resources on Supported Living – Funded by the California Department of Developmental Services

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