Shared Living Services
Are you interested in becoming a Shared Living Provider?
The process for becoming an Adult or Child Shared Living Provider includes submitting an application, providing required documentation, participating in background checks and home visits, and completing required training hours. The expected timeline is roughly 6 to 8 weeks from the time the application is received.
For more details, please download and review one or both of these documents:
Child Shared Living Services (Therapeutic Foster Care)
Child Shared Living Providers are trained, licensed Therapeutic Foster Parents who deliver a family-based model of intensive therapeutic support for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care in their home and community, embedding the child’s goals into everyday routines and activities the child chooses. In partnership with the child and their support team, they promote stability, educational continuity, permanency, and, in the least-restrictive setting, support family reunification efforts when applicable. Arkansas Support Network coordinates these Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) homes as the placement agency.
Adult Shared Living Services
Shared Living services offer adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a personalized, home-based alternative to group homes, centered on meaningful relationships, family support, and individualized assistance. Individuals live with a Shared Living Provider—who may be a single provider, a couple, or a family that includes children and youth—creating a natural home environment that fosters belonging, companionship, and daily life supports.
The role of an Adult Shared Living Provider focuses on friendship, community connection, and practical assistance that strengthens the person’s self-determination, independence, and sense of belonging. Support is provided with the person, not for the person, and is always guided by what a good life looks like to them. Providers honor dignity of risk, autonomy, culture, and individual communication preferences while supporting people to live where they choose, engage in what matters most, and maintain meaningful relationships.
Shared Living also includes assistance with connecting to a variety of community resources and service providers to ensure coordinated, individualized supports. Often funded through Medicaid waivers, this model promotes community integration and care tailored to each person’s strengths, goals, and preferences.