Community Living Arrangements / Group Homes

Community Living Arrangements (CLAs), also known as group homes, offer residents the opportunity to live in a home in the community and to engage in work, social, and recreational activities in a safe, comfortable environment that promotes independence. Housing and assistance are available to people with intellectual disabilities who need a skilled nursing level of care or help performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Homes are small in size and generally serve six or fewer individuals in a traditional house or apartment. Staff is available 24 hours a day and provides assistance with personal needs, ADLs and medication administration and supervision as needed.

These programs are operated by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or private agencies. To receive services, residents must be enrolled in a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Service (HCBS) called a Comprehensive Waiver.

For more information or help, contact the DDS at:

North Region

HelpLine 1-877-437-4577
dds.nr.ifshelpline@ct.gov

South Region

HelpLine 1-877-437-4567
dds.sr.ifshelpline@ct.gov

West Region

HelpLine 1-877-491-2720
dds.wr.ifshelpline@ct.gov

In order to be eligible for CLAs, individuals must be a Connecticut resident and have an intellectual disability or a medical diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome by a physician. As defined by the state, an intellectual disability is a significant limitation in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that originated before 18 years of age. To receive coverage for CLA services, applicants must also be eligible for Medicaid.

Eligibility for services does not assure that requests for services can be met immediately. Services of the Department of Developmental Services are provided on a priority basis and within available appropriations.

Learn More: Download the Eligibility Fact Sheet for more information.

Group homes provide individualized support based on residents’ needs including:

• 24-hour supervision
• Support with ADLs
• Housekeeping, meals and transportation
• Vocational, social and recreation opportunities and personal development

Each facility also provides accessible environments and adaptive equipment to assessed people with disabilities as needed.