What Is a CILA Group Home in Illinois?
A Community Integrated Living Arrangement, or CILA,is a small, community-based residence—typically serving up to eight adults—for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Depending on need, a CILA can be 24-hour staffed, intermittently staffed, a host-family (foster) home, or services delivered in a family home.
The CILA program is regulated by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Participants receive support with everyday tasks, education, independent living, and other care needs.
Who Qualifies for a CILA Group Home in Illinois?
The main requirement for living in a CILA is a developmental disability, mental illness, or other diagnosis that impairs one’s ability to live independently, including autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, severe depression, and other conditions. Eligibility is determined through a person-centered assessment and service planning with an Independent Service Coordination (ISC) Agency.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- A significant intellectual or developmental disability
- Age 18 or older
- Have needs that benefit from supervised living and hands-on services
- Consent or have a guardian’s consent to follow a personalized services plan
- Medicaid coverage or individual financial support
A primary mental illness alone (e.g., schizophrenia, major depression) does not, by itself, qualify someone for a CILA without an accompanying qualifying developmental disability.
What Support Services Do CILA Homes Offer?
CILA homes provide a variety of services that help their residents adjust to independent living. Support services offered at CILA homes include:
- Secure community housing
- Assistance with finding education, training, or employment
- Support with learning and strengthening independent living skills
- Help finding and participating in recreational or social activities
- Assistance with financial management and transportation
The type of living arrangement and services available to individual CILA participants depends on the needs outlined in their individualized care plans and their own goals for developing independence.
How Are CILA Group Homes Funded in Illinois?
The state of Illinois spent more than $2.2 billion on CILA facilities in a three-year period between 2021 and 2023, according to a recent Auditor General’s Office report.
CILA funding for residents is mainly available through the Adult Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid Waiver grant program. If you aren’t able to receive enough funding through Medicaid, you can also cover CILA expenses for you or a loved one with your own money. Make sure to consult your Independent Service Coordination Agency to clear up any questions about funding or payment responsibilities before starting a placement.
Frequently Asked Questions About CILA Group Homes in Illinois
What’s the Difference Between a CILA Home and a Nursing Home?
CILA group homes specifically serve adults with developmental and mental disabilities, while nursing home residents are usually older adults with general medical needs.
What Happens if a CILA Home Isn’t a Good Fit?
If you or your guardian is unhappy with accommodations at your CILA, contact your Independent Service Coordination Agency. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse at a CILA, contact our experienced attorneys today to explore your legal options.
How Do I Apply for a CILA Group Home in Illinois?
You can apply for a CILA group home by contacting a local IDHS Family Community Resource Center or through Medicaid.
Are There Specialized CILA Homes for Autism or High-Needs Support?
Yes, there are many CILA homes specialized for residents with specific needs. A list of licensed CILA providers is available here.
How Are CILA Homes Regulated and Inspected?
CILA group homes are regulated by the IDHS and its Bureau of Accreditation, Licensure and Certification (BALC). To become fully licensed under the state, CILA homes must complete a series of strict regulatory steps, which typically includes:
- Have at least one representative attend an orientation session
- Ask BALC for a CILA application after verifying attendance at the orientation
- Submit policies, projected budget, and other required documents
- Obtain a provisional license, which requires more training after
- Follow background check, training, and certification requirements for staff
- Submit to a BALC inspection before opening and a site visit within six months of admitting the first resident, as well as an unannounced visit at some point in the first year of operation
- Receive a three-year full license after passing the inspections
It’s possible to request CILA inspection records from the state. Our experienced legal team can help you investigate potential violations you or a loved one experience at a CILA group home in Illinois.
Contact Levin & Perconti for CILA Home Concerns
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect at a CILA group home in Illinois, the trusted Levin & Perconti team is ready to help. We’re deeply experienced in similar cases, including winning a record settlement for a CILA negligence claim:
- Levin & Perconti secured a historic $6 million settlement in Illinois, the largest reported against a CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement), for the family of a 25-year-old man with autism who died due to grossly negligent care. Despite clear medical instructions to limit his fluid intake due to psychogenic polydipsia, staff at the group home failed to monitor his condition, leading to water intoxication and his preventable death. The settlement highlights the systemic issues within CILAs, including understaffing, lack of training, and negligence, and reinforces Levin & Perconti’s commitment to holding such facilities accountable.
Contact us online or call 877-374-1417 today to schedule your free consultation and confidential case review. You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
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