Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.25.015
Purpose
This Information Bulletin describes what the Stabilization Home (SH) program is, eligibility criteria, and how to be referred for services.
Definition
The SH program is designed to provide a temporary alternative community placement for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are experiencing a behavioral crisis and are not successfully maintaining their placement in the community or at risk of institutionalization in a state operated developmental center (SODC) accordance with Illinois Public Act 103-0493. The SH program works in conjunction with the Support Services Team (SST).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the SH program, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet eligibility criteria for the Developmental Disability waiver services.
- Be on the PUNS list or receiving waiver services; individuals are not required to be living in a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) to be considered. Individuals living in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/ID) or a state operated developmental center are not eligible for admission to the stabilization homes.
- DDD is undergoing the process to develop transition homes which will be under the auspices of stabilization homes. When those homes are open additional guidance will be issued. Individuals living in institutions are eligible for transitional homes.
- Experiencing a behavioral crisis putting them at risk of losing their home in the community
- Currently receiving SST services.
Referrals
Referrals are made when the individual is in crisis and the individual's behavior puts them at risk of being institutionalized. The needs of the individual must be determined clinically appropriate for the services offered in the stabilization program.
If the individual and the people who support the individual determine a referral is appropriate, SST personnel will complete and submit the referral to the SH consideration list. The consideration list is reviewed by the SST and the Bureau of Clinical Services. Individuals are selected from the SH consideration list based on priority of need and capacity.
In rare instances, SST may not be involved. In these circumstances the ISC, Regions Staff or DDD staff may make a direct referral.
If an individual is denied services at an SH site, they can appeal per the guidelines detailed in Rule 120.110. All appeals must be submitted through the individual's ISC and adhere to the timeframes and document requirements outlined in rule.
Stabilization Home Program Description
The SHs are 24-hour CILAs with single occupancy rooms. The SHs provide supports including, but not limited to, Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), nurses, mental health professionals, and psychiatric services. They provide 1:1 staffing as needed.
The SH does not secure alternative permanent placements but do provide information to assist in securing placements. All residents in the SH are temporary and are required to return to their originating home. Providers should not issue discharge notices while the individual is receiving supports at an SH.
Stabilization Home Program Duration
Upon admission to the stabilization home, the clinical care team will determine the length of stay needed to meet the individual's behavioral goals. The clinical care team is comprised of the staff at the SH, SST, and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) personnel.
The SH program is designed to provide a short-term and temporary stay of up to 90 days. After 90 days, the SH program assists in transitioning the individual in returning to their community home/CILA provider or alternative community placement. The time spent in the SH program is meant to stabilize the presenting concerns and to plan for long-term stabilization. SH does not provide permanent housing or treatment.
While the individual is receiving services at the SH program, the support system from the individual's community home will work in conjunction with the SST to prepare the home environment to better accommodate and support the individual's needs. The SST will make recommendations to adjust the originating home environment, including but not limited to, additional training, home modifications, or changes in staff.
Admission to an SH site may be impacted by a pending discharge notice from their CILA provider. Additionally, the CILA provider cannot issue a discharge notice while the individual is receiving services at an SH. The individual must return to the CILA placement once a discharge notice is issued.
If a CILA provider violates these regulations, they are subject to sanctions from the DDD including, but not limited to, admission holds and financial penalties.
Payment and Billing
The DDD funds the SH program. There is no charge to the family or CILA provider. When an individual who lives in a CILA attends the SH program, the CILA provider should follow billing guidance as outlined in Occupancy Factor and Medical Absence Payment IB. The individual's absence is considered a medical absence. Originating providers cannot discharge an individual while they are residing in the SH program.
If you have any questions, please contact DHS.DDDSST@illinois.gov.
Effective Date:
This bulletin is effective upon posting as final 07/02/2025.
