What Happens After You’re Approved for Supported Living Services (SLS)?
Your Next Steps Toward Independence
Being approved for services through Alta Regional Center is a major milestone. It means your loved one is now eligible to receive support—and opens the door to services like Supported Living Services (SLS).
But what happens next?
If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty, you’re not alone. This next phase is where planning turns into action. Here’s what you can expect as you move forward.
Step 1: Meet Your Service Coordinator
After eligibility is approved, you will be assigned a Service Coordinator through Alta Regional Center.
This person will:
- Be your main point of contact
- Help guide you through available services
- Coordinate meetings and planning
- Answer questions along the way
Think of your Service Coordinator as your partner in navigating the system.
Step 2: Develop the Individual Program Plan (IPP)
One of the most important steps is creating the Individual Program Plan (IPP).
The IPP is a personalized plan that outlines:
- The individual’s goals and preferences
- Areas where support is needed
- Services that will help achieve those goals
This is a person-centered process, meaning the individual’s voice, choices, and vision for their life are at the center of every decision.
Step 3: Determining if SLS Is the Right Fit
Not everyone begins with SLS right away. The IPP team (which includes the individual, family, and Service Coordinator) will discuss:
- Is independent living a current or future goal?
- What level of support is needed?
- Are there skills that need to be developed first?
If SLS is appropriate, it will be included in the IPP as a recommended service.
Step 4: Choosing an SLS Provider
Once SLS is approved, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a provider.
This is an important decision—families and individuals should look for a provider who:
- Aligns with their values and goals
- Communicates clearly and consistently
- Focuses on independence and skill-building
- Has experience supporting individuals with similar needs
At New Beginnings for Exceptional People, we work closely with families and individuals to ensure a supportive, respectful, and personalized experience from day one.
Step 5: Creating an Individualized Support Plan(ISP)
After selecting a provider, the next step is developing a more detailed support plan.
This plan focuses on:
- Daily living skills (cooking, cleaning, budgeting)
- Community involvement<
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- Health and safety
- Routines and structure
- Long-term independence goals
Support is tailored specifically to the individual—there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Step 6: Starting Services
Services typically begin gradually.
At first, this may include:
- Meeting the support team (Direct Support Professionals)
- Building trust and rapport
- Getting used to the new living arrangements
- Establishing routines
- Identifying strengths and areas for growth
Over time, support becomes more structured as goals are implemented.
What Progress Looks Like in SLS
Progress in SLS doesn’t happen overnight—and that’s okay.
Success may look like:
- Learning to prepare simple meals
- Managing a daily schedule
- Gaining confidence in the community
- Making independent choices
- Building social connections
Every step forward—no matter how small—is meaningful.
Ongoing Support and Adjustments
SLS is flexible and evolves over time.
- The IPP is reviewed regularly (typically annually, or more often if needed)
- Services can increase, decrease, or shift based on progress
- Goals can be updated as independence grows
This ensures that support continues to match the individual’s needs and goals.
A Note for Families
This stage can be both exciting and emotional. Watching a loved one take steps toward independence often involves:
- Letting go in small ways
- Allowing room for growth and learning
- Trusting the process and the support team
Your role remains incredibly important—but it may begin to shift as independence increases.
Being approved for services is just the beginning. From creating the IPP to starting Supported Living Services, each step is designed to build a path toward greater independence, confidence, and quality of life.
At New Beginnings for Exceptional People, we are honored to be part of that journey. Whether you are just starting or preparing to begin SLS, we are here to support you every step of the way.
