Preventing restrictive placements through community support services.

A policy evaluation of Community Support Services, an assistance group created by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to prevent admission of individuals with developmental disabilities to large state facilities, was presented. The model of these out-reach services was described. Program evaluation data were presented. The possible effect of Community Support Services on admissions to large state facilities, characteristics of individuals served compared to those waiting for these services, cost-benefit issues of operating Community Support Services, and community service providers' satisfaction with these services were discussed. Issues related to the establishment and operation of Community Support Services were also presented.