Community Services Checklist

VOR supports individual and family choice. For some individuals, an ICF/MR setting best serves that persons specialized and intense needs. For other individuals, a community setting is desired and more appropriate. 

Individuals and families who are considering a transition to community placement must be educated about all community-based options. Any transition should occur only with the approval of the parent or guardian after a lengthy period of intense scrutiny of available community options.

Families, parents and guardians have many things to consider when evaluating competing choices. Every person viewing a program sees different areas of importance and priority that determine whether that program and provider are acceptable or unacceptable. It is a very personal choice.

To aid in that process, a “Community Check List” document has been prepared that contains many questions to ask of potential providers, and things to look for.

Credits: The Community Check List was first developed by Polly Spare, the past President of VOR. PROOF, a VOR affiliate in Kentucky, with the help of Anne Montgomery and the Council on Mental Retardation (Section 6), provided updates.