Starting with the adult's voice
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities may express choices in different ways. Share communication preferences, important relationships, routines and what helps the person feel comfortable. Family knowledge can help the reviewing team understand the adult, but it should complement their own preferences. Discuss who has permission or legal authority to make decisions and receive information.
Age served, eligibility and team responsibilities
CELS focuses on adult residential services. For a transition into adult support, speak with the area agency or service coordinator about age requirements, eligibility and planning milestones. The coordinator can clarify authorizations and the current service plan; CELS reviews the proposed residential support. Families and guardians help describe priorities, while the team identifies responsibilities and decisions still needed.
What to ask about staffing
Request a discussion of daytime and overnight assistance, staff training, continuity and backup arrangements. Describe how much support the person needs with personal care, communication, mobility and community activities. Ask who will be the main contact and how the plan will be reviewed after a move. Specific staffing should be discussed for the proposed arrangement rather than assumed from a general service description.
Coordinating safety and medication information
Identify who will provide current medication orders, relevant health summaries, allergies and emergency instructions. Share any existing behavior-support plan and approaches that help prevent distress. Ask how staff will learn this information, how medication changes are communicated and how concerns are escalated. These discussions help CELS assess whether the setting and team can meet the adult's support needs.
Staying connected and participating locally
Discuss the adult's preferences for family contact, visits and involvement in planning. Community participation may include familiar social activities, employment, recreation or time with friends. The plan should identify transportation and assistance needed to maintain those connections. Communication arrangements should respect consent, privacy and any relevant guardianship responsibilities.
Preparing the referral packet
A preliminary inquiry can cover broad needs and timing without disclosing clinical records. For a fuller assessment, the team may request the person-centered plan, recent assessments, service authorizations, medication and health summaries, relevant support plans and guardianship or consent records. Confirm who can share each record and use the secure method agreed with CELS. Avoid sending personal health information through general website messages.
Review, visits and decisions
The team can discuss suitability, availability, staffing and the transition process. Where appropriate, visits help the adult and supporters ask questions and assess the proposed setting. Record unresolved issues and who will address them before a move. A referral conversation is an opportunity to assess options; it does not by itself confirm a placement or funding.