Frequently asked questions

Supports for Community Living

 

What is Supports for Community Living (SCL)?

SCL is a home and community based waiver under the Kentucky Medicaid program. It was developed for Kentucky residents as an alternative to institutional care for an individual with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. SCL allows the person to remain an active member of the community.

 

 

Who is Eligible?

Individuals with a diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities who meet the requirements for residential services in an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with mental retardation (ICF/MR), and who receive Medicaid and meet other Medicaid requirements, are eligible for SCL services. Currently there is a waiting list to receive an SCL wavier.  Eligibility requirements and application process can be located at: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities - PT (11) - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (ky.gov)

 

 

What Services Does REACH of Louisville provide?

SCL services provided by REACH of Louisville include residential support through Family Home Providers and adult day training. 

Residential Support (through Family Home Providers)

Residential support provided by REACH of Louisville are accomplished through specially trained and supported Family Home Providers. These families provide 24-hour supervision and training in activities such as laundry, routine household care, self-care, shopping, money management, socialization, and leisure activities. No more than three individuals receiving SCL waiver services can live in a family home provider setting.

 REACH Adult Training Program (RAP)

This service supports the SCL recipient to participate in daily meaningful routines in the community, and it stresses training in the activities of daily living, self-advocacy, adaptive and social skills, and vocational skills. On-site services lead to the acquisition of skills and abilities for work and/or community participation. Off-site services are provided in a variety of community settings, promoting inclusion and natural supports.

The REACH Adult Program (RAP) emphasizes activities that are community based and socially inclusive. RAP works to help incorporate the individual’s goals into productive and enjoyable skills training. The RAP site includes: a computer lab, training kitchen, recreation building, a working garden and a basketball court. RAP participants are routinely involved in providing volunteer assistance and community outreach. Participants regularly enjoy a variety of recreational activities designed to increase their participation in the community, such as bowling, YMCA outings, movies, fishing, picnics, hiking, and special activities.  RAP staff are experienced professionals who are skilled in person-centered planning and program implementation for individuals with special challenges.

 

 

What are REACH of Louisville’s Admission Criteria?

To determine admission into any of the service categories, REACH uses a selection process based on the goodness-of-fit between the individual and the services that are available.  All admission decisions are based on the needs and wishes of the individual served as well as those of the family and/or guardian.

 

 

What is REACH of Louisville’s approach to providing SCL services?

REACH of Louisville has been an SCL provider since 2005. Our decision to move into adult services grew from the need to provide long term stability to those individuals in our therapeutic foster care program who were “aging-out” of Kentucky’s youth system of care.

Our model focuses on providing supports to the individual, but in the context of a family and community environment. We work hard to make the family integral to the planning and implementation of the individual’s supports, because we believe families are the most important component of the treatment. But we also stress the importance of individuals being involved in the community and the need strengthen the capacity of community systems to accommodate the unique needs of the individuals we served. Family and community settings are the most natural and conducive place to promote an individual’s development. Our model creates opportunities for community-based learning, social integration and normalization.

 

 

How does REACH of Louisville support family home providers?

The REACH clinical staff is made up of doctoral and master’s level mental health specialists. Each host home works in collaboration with a clinical staff member, who is available to them 24 hours a day, and provides whatever supports and consultation are needed.

 

 

What training do family home providers receive?

Extensive initial and on-going training is provided by REACH of Louisville in areas such as developmental and intellectual disabilities, medication administration, person-centered planning, advocacy, positive behavior management, crisis prevention, and mental health advocacy. We also assist family providers to access the Cabinet’s on-line course work.

Some key features of REACH of Louisville’s Adult Services (SCL) program include:

Each family provider home works one-to-one with a clinical staff member, who assists in coordinating all the services, including day programming, and advocacy for individuals placed in their home;

  • REACH clinical staff are all experienced masters or doctoral level mental health professionals;

  • Crisis managers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

  • REACH of Louisville has its own adult day training program (the REACH Adult Program, or RAP) which individualizes day programming for participants.  RAP offers a wide variety of community based activities, and has a well-trained staff;

  • Family provider homes are encouraged to interact in social and support networks, including regular parties, picnics and support groups;

  • Psychological services for mental health treatment issues are offered in-house, and are part of the full range of treatment services provided by licensed psychologists;

  • Clinical staff on call 24-7;

  • Family Home Providers and persons served are carefully matched for “goodness of fit”.

 

 

How can I become a REACH of Louisville family home provider?

To become a REACH of Louisville Family Home Provider, you must undergo an application process which will include personal interviews of yourself and others living in the home, an assessment of your home environment, criminal and child abuse background checks,  and a home study that includes your health history and personal finances. These are done by regulation to insure that state regulations are met and to assess whether you are a strong candidate for the role.

The SCL Family Home Provider application form can be found here.

If you have questions, please feel free to call either Steve Stratford (SCL Program Coordinator) or Dr. Shep Sanford (Clinical Director) at REACH of Louisville, 502-585-1911.

Family Home Providers are paid a competitive rate for the care they provide. Additional services that benefit the family, are provided through the SCL program. REACH of Louisville believes that families should be well-compensated for the excellent care they provide, but we also recognize that the most powerful rewards come from the feeling that comes from making a positive difference in the life of an individual.