SUPPORTING DAILY LIFE, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, AND INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Community Living and Support (CLS) Services in Delaware provide individualized assistance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their own homes or shared living environments. These services are authorized under the Delaware Lifespan Waiver, administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), and are essential for maintaining independence and community involvement.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Role: Approves and monitors providers delivering CLS services under the Lifespan Waiver
Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Role: Administers Medicaid funding and ensures reimbursement compliance
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures federal HCBS waiver standards are met in the delivery of community living services
2. COMMUNITY LIVING AND SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW
CLS services offer person-centered, hands-on support to help individuals with IDD live safely and meaningfully in their homes and communities. Support is tailored to the unique needs, preferences, and goals outlined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
Approved providers may deliver:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and hygiene
- Help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping
- Medication reminders and health monitoring (non-clinical)
- Social skill-building and community access activities
- Transportation to appointments, day programs, or social outings
- Support with self-advocacy and independence
- Documentation of services provided, outcomes, and progress
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
- Register your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
- Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
- Enroll as a Community Living and Support Services Provider with DDDS under the Lifespan Waiver
- Carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Maintain HIPAA-compliant systems and documentation procedures
- Ensure staff meet training, supervision, and background check requirements
4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Register your business and obtain an NPI
Step 2: Apply with DDDS to become a CLS provider
Submit organizational chart, service description, staff qualifications, and policies
Step 3: Enroll in Delaware Medicaid (if required) via DMAP for reimbursement
Step 4: Coordinate with DDDS, case managers, and residential teams for service referrals
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Articles of Incorporation or business registration
- IRS EIN Letter
- NPI confirmation
- DDDS provider approval documentation
- Medicaid enrollment confirmation (if applicable)
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Intake and service authorization protocols
- ISP-aligned support strategies and daily logs
- Participant rights and consent forms
- Medication tracking procedures (if reminders provided)
- Staff training, supervision, and safety practices
- Emergency response plans and incident reporting
- Documentation retention and audit readiness policies
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Background check and CPR/First Aid certification
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred
- Training in person-centered practices, safety, and documentation
Role: Program Supervisor
Requirements:
- Background in human services or related field
- Oversight of service quality, staff training, and documentation compliance
Training Requirements for All Staff:
- HIPAA and participant privacy
- Abuse prevention and mandated reporting
- Emergency preparedness and client safety
- ISP implementation and goal tracking
- Ongoing CEUs and supervision
7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
Community Living and Support Services are reimbursed under:
- Delaware Lifespan Waiver (administered by DDDS)
Approved providers may deliver:
- In-home and community-based ADL/IADL assistance
- Coaching and support in life skill development
- Social, recreational, and employment-related participation
- Progress monitoring in alignment with the ISP
- Coordination with DDDS and interdisciplinary support teams
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: DDDS Provider Application
Timeline: 30–60 days
Phase: Medicaid Enrollment (if applicable)
Timeline: 30–60 days
Phase: Staff Hiring and Referral Activation
Timeline: Ongoing
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Phone: (302) 744-9600
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds
Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Phone: (302) 255-9500
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma
Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)
Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov
10. SCOPE OF WORK
- Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
- DDDS waiver enrollment and Medicaid setup (if applicable)
- Policy & procedure manual for ADL support, supervision, and compliance
- Templates for daily notes, service plans, and staff training logs
- Website, domain, and email setup
- Staff credentialing trackers and incident reporting tools
- Client intake packet, consent forms, and support protocols
- Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
- Referral networking with DDDS, day programs, and community partners
WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — DELAWARE COMMUNITY LIVING AND SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER
We help human services professionals and caregiving agencies launch fully credentialed CLS programs under Delaware’s Lifespan Waiver.
To get started, click the link to request portal access.