Coming Home: From Deinstitutionalization to Supporting People in Their Own Homes in Region VI, New Hampshire.

This site visit report describes activities, strengths, and challenges of the Area Agency for Developmental Services in Region VI of New Hampshire, with an emphasis on bringing people with developmental disabilities out of the state institution to community-based services. The agency provides case management services, family support services, and residential services to approximately 400 people. Case management is intended to prevent "dumping" of people from the state institution into the community without services or support. Case management involves developing Individualized Service Plans, being on call, serving as advocates, and helping people obtain benefits for which they qualify. The family support service component involves coordinating the Family Support Advisory Council, serving as a family liaison resource, linking clients to recreational opportunities, encouraging parent networking, and providing respite services. Development of residential services involves deinstitutionalization, development of individualized supports, planning, and accessing community resources for appropriate housing. The agency's quality assurance program stresses frequent evaluations and community presence, individual rights, competence development, status improvement, and community participation. (DB)