Community Residential Services for Adults

Community Residential Services include both Alternative Living Services and Companion Home Services, which are provided in typical homes or apartments in the community. 

Adult Family Home Services

Adult Family Home Services are community-based services delivered in typical family homes that are licensed by Residential Care Services to support from 2 to 6 residents. Caregivers provide assistance with individualized care tasks that are identified in the resident’s annual assessment and in their Person-Centered Service Plan.

  • Residents must be financially eligible for Medicaid and have a functional or intellectual disability that requires support and supervision

  • Adult Family Home providers must complete Developmental Disabilities Specialty Training before providing services and supports to residents enrolled with the Developmental Disabilities Administration

  • Adult Family Homes must be contracted with Aging and Long-Term Support Administration to be authorized to provide services for DDA enrolled residents

Additional Information:

Adult Residential Care Services

Adult Residential Care (ARC) services are provided by licensed Assisted Living Facilities that have an Adult Residential Care contract with the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA).  Services provided include housing, housekeeping services, meals, snacks, laundry, personal care, and activities.

Additional Information:

Enhanced Adult Residential Care Services

Enhanced Adult Residential Care (EARC) services are provided in the same manner as Adult Residential Care services however the Assisted Living Facility must have an Enhanced Adult Residential Care contract with ALTSA.  In addition to the services provided with an Adult Residential Care services contract, the EARC also provides medication administration and intermittent nursing services if the client has an assessed need for those services.

Alternative Living Services

Alternative Living Services is a residential habilitation service provided by a community residential service provider who has an Alternative Living Services provider contract with the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

Residential Habilitation is assistance provided to a client to learn, improve, or retain social and adaptive skills necessary for living in the community.  Alternative Living Services are delivered in the client’s own home or in the community.   Alternative Living Services providers may provide teaching and training in the areas of:

  • Establishing a Residence (Alternative Living may only be delivered in the client’s family’s home for up to 6 months to assist the client to move to their own home in the community)
  • Home Living
  • Community Living
  • Health & Safety
  • Social Activities
  • Protection & Advocacy
  • Other Training/Support (Helping the client manage significant life events)

Alternative Living Services must be delivered in a home rented or leased by the client or delivered in the community.  Alternative Living Services MUST NOT be delivered in the provider’s home.

Additional Information:

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted Living Facilities are licensed facilities and may contract with DSHS to provide supports as Adult Residential Care providers or Enhanced Residential Care providers to serve 7 or more clients.  Caregivers provide assistance with individualized care tasks and residents can access on-site support 24 hours per day.

Community Protection Program

Community Protection Program offers an array of specialized supports within a supported living model which are designed to assist those individuals that have been identified as a potential risk to the safety of the community. Eligibility for the program is determined by:

  • Regional Committees and is based on a client's history.
  • A formal Risk Assessment which is completed by a qualified professional contracted with DDA.
  • The client's voluntary agreement to participate.

Companion Home Services

Companion Home Services is a residential habilitation service provided by a community residential service provider who has a Companion Home Services contract with the Developmental Disabilities Administration.  

Residential Habilitation is assistance provided to a client to learn, improve, or retain social and adaptive skills necessary for living in the community.  Residential habilitation services may provide assistance with personal care and supervision, and instruction and support in the areas of health and safety; personal power and choice, competence and self-reliance; positive recognition by self and others; positive relationships; and integration into the physical and social life of the community.

Companion Home Services are provided in a home that is owned or leased by the contracted provider.  The provider must be available to provide support and supervision to the client 24 hours a day. 

Additional Information:

Forms for Companion Home Providers:

Group Training Homes and Group Homes

Group Training Homes and Group Homes are community-based, residential facilities who typically serve 5-12 adults. The homes provide 24-hour support services. This includes one-on–one support and services are based on individual need and the sharing of support within a household. Services are offered in an integrated setting and support personal power, choice and full access to the greater community. Individuals pay monthly participation based on their income which covers the basic expenses of food and shelter.

Group Training Homes are certified by DSHS Residential Care Services Division.

Group Homes are licensed as an Assisted Living Facility or Adult Family Home in addition to being certified by DSHS Residential Care Services Division.

Additional Information:

Contact: Prudence Chilufya at ccrssapplicationsrequest@dshs.wa.gov to request a Certified Community Residential Service and Support application and instructions.

Supported Living Services

Supported Living services help persons live in their own homes with one to three others and receive instruction and support from contracted service providers. Supports vary from a few hours per month up to 24 hours per day. This includes one-on–one support and services are based on individual need and the sharing of support within a household. Services are offered in integrated settings and support personal power, choice, and full access to the greater community. Individuals pay their own rent, food, and other personal expenses.

Contact: Prudence Chilufya at ccrssapplicationsrequest@dshs.wa.gov to request a Certified Community Residential Service and Support application and instructions.