Thinking About Starting a Supported Living Agency?

If you are considering developing a parent-directed or any other type of supported living agency, one of your first requirements will be creating a Service Design — sometimes called a "program plan."

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The Service Design is a formal written document that describes your agency's philosophy and outlines how you will implement services and operate your business. It covers everything from hiring practices and job descriptions to grievance procedures, staff training, and client selection. Think of it as your agency's foundational business plan.

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Learn the Basics For an overview of Supported Living Services in California, visit the DDS Supported Living Services page.

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Understanding Title 17 Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations is the backbone of Supported Living Services. These regulations are promulgated under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Welfare and Institutions Code) and the California Early Intervention Services Act (California Government Code), and they govern how services are structured and delivered.

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The key sections you'll need to know:

• Section 58630 – General Requirements

• Section 58631 – Service Design Components

• Section 58632 – Implementation of SLS Philosophy

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Here's the Good News

As the founder of a parent-directed supported living agency, I developed my own Service Design from the ground up — and have since consulted with other start-ups and written service designs on their behalf. My time is limited, but my commitment to helping people with disabilities live better lives is not. That's why I created a Service Design Template to give new providers a powerful head start.

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Keep in mind that each Regional Center has its own additional requirements and attachments — but this template gives you the essential foundation.

What's Included in the Template

 

People who've used it call it "an amazing piece of work" and "a timesaver for any potential provider." Here's why:

• All headings are organized to follow Title 17's structure

• Written to meet Title 17 requirements (your Regional Center may require supplemental information)

• Includes real examples throughout

• Contains standard required language that doesn't need to be rewritten

• Grounded in person-centered thinking and self-determination principles, as required

• Features bracketed macros that prompt you on exactly what to write in each section

• Formatted to automatically generate a Table of Contents

• Will save you hundreds of hours of writing — and a great deal of frustration

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Take a sneak peek at the sample before you decide.

Let me know if you'd like to adjust the tone, add a call-to-action, or adapt this for a specific page on your site.