Types of Group Homes
Professionals new to the field and family members of those who need care can often be confused by the terminology and categorization of living spaces for their clients or loved ones. In this blog, I provide some clarity and hopefully assuage any confusion or frustration.
“Group Homes” are also professionally known as Community Care Facilities (CCLs). These CCLs provide 24-hour non-medical residential care for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who require personal services, supervision, assistance in self-protection, and support with daily living activities. Within these CCLs are several categories of homes, and they serve slightly different populations.
Level 4:
Care, supervision, and specialized programs to address severe deficits in self-help skills, physical coordination, or severe behavioral challenges.
Supported Living Services (SLS):
SLS enables adults with developmental disabilities to live in homes they own or lease in the community. Support services are tailored to individual needs and can include assistance with personal care, household tasks, and community participation.
Enhanced Behavioral Supports Homes (EBSH):
Population Served: Adults, adolescents, or children with developmental disabilities who exhibit significant behavioral challenges, including severe self-injury, aggression towards others, elopement, or property destruction.
Services Provided:
24-hour staffing with specialized training in behavior intervention techniques., which include Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
Intensive behavioral support based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Person-centered planning and individualized behavior support plans.
Crisis intervention and management strategies.
Clinical oversight provided by qualified professionals (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analysts, licensed clinicians)
Licensing & Oversight:
Licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), overseen by Regional Centers and regulated by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Community Crisis Homes (CCH)
Population Served:
Individuals with developmental disabilities experiencing acute behavioral or psychiatric crises who require temporary intensive support and intervention to stabilize and prevent institutionalization or hospitalization.
Services Provided:
Short-term residential crisis stabilization.
Intensive supervision and therapeutic support from specialized trained staff.
Crisis prevention, intervention, and post-crisis transition planning.
Mental health and behavioral health supports that includes 24-hour staffing with specialized training in behavior intervention techniques with Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
Coordination with mental health professionals, Regional Centers, and other stakeholders for a smooth transition back into less restrictive community settings.
Typically designed for short-term crisis stabilization
Licensing & Oversight:
Licensed by the CDSS and closely coordinated with DDS and local Regional Centers.
In general, the purpose and goal of EBSH and CCH Facilities are to:
Prevent institutionalization or hospitalization by providing specialized, community-based alternatives.
Support individuals in managing severe behavioral or psychiatric challenges.
Offer person-centered care that emphasizes stabilization, skill development, and safe transitions to less restrictive environments.
Ensure compliance with California's Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) final rule by promoting individual rights, autonomy, and community integration.