Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA)

For clients that live in a Clearbrook CILA, or Community Integrated Living Arrangement, we strive to offer opportunities for them to be as independent as possible in their home and community. With more than 50 CILAs, scattered throughout 23 different communities, each residential home is integrated in the neighborhood and community.

photo717

The focus is on self-advocacy. Clients decorate their own homes and bedrooms and decide which activities and outings they would like to participate in. A full-time activity manager is on staff to assist with utilizing a full-range of indoor and community resources. Each client has an Individual Service Plan (ISP) that recognizes their needs and preferences and guides the support he/she receives. Client social and peer development is promoted. Clients have access to a wide variety of clinical support such as: nursing, dietary, behavioral, psychiatric, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and licensed social work/counseling.

CILAs are licensed by Department of Human Services and the majority of client funding comes from DHS. DHS license permits a maximum of 8 clients in a CILA. We average 6 clients per home. Staff training is a priority; exceeding DHS requirements.

Family CILA recipients have access to Clearbrook’s family support services, behavior, housing, and transition services. Family CILA funding can also be used to provide day programs or employment services to those in the community.

Program Highlights

  • Clearbrook owns and/or manages 54 CILAs located in 16 communities.
  • Our clients actively participate in and support their neighborhoods. Clients attend a wide variety of activities and outings such as theaters, restaurants, sporting events, shopping, fitness centers, bowling, religious services, vacations, dances and holiday parties.
  • Client need, choice and preference guide the services provided; self-advocacy is promoted.
  • Clients and family members, based on satisfaction survey, are extremely satisfied with the program services.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the mission of the program? To create an opportunity for our clients to be as independent as possible in their home and in the community.
  2. Is the program licensed? The CILA Program is licensed by the Department of Human Services. New CILAs are inspected by DHS and issued a license to operate. On-going DHS surveys are conducted to ensure that the home is safe and client active treatment is being provided.
  3. How is the program funded? The majority of the clients are funded by the Department Of Human Services. Please contact Heidi Raymond at 847-385-5328 (hraymond@clearbrook.org) for information related to how a person obtains DHS CILA funding.
  4. How are CILA sites selected? Typical neighborhood homes are selected. Our goal is to be fully integrated into the community.
  5. Are staff always present at the CILA? The majority of our CILAs have at least one staff on-site when the clients are present. We do have Intermittent CILAs in which the clients are very independent and do not require staff on-site at all times.
  6. What are some of the “main” supports that CILA clients receive? Each CILA client has an individualized service plan. Some of the common areas we support and help our clients develop are: accessing the community, cooking, cleaning, managing finances, exercise, medication management, leisure activities, making friends and self-advocacy.
  7. Who takes care of the property and landscaping? Clearbrook has a maintenance department that is on call 24/7 to ensure that the home is safe and well maintained. Clearbrook ensures that both landscaping and snow removal needs are completed. It is important to us that we are good neighbors.

Staff Positions and Primary Responsibilities

Director- Directly responsible for the operations and administration of all facilities and their staff.

Coordinator- Directly responsible for the operations and administration of all facilities and their staff. The Coordinator directly supervises the QIDPs.

Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) – Responsible on a day-to-day basis for ensuring the integration, coordination, and monitoring of the active treatment program for residents. The QIDP directly supervises the Residential Counselors.

Residential Counselor (RC) – Provides direct support and services to clients and ensures their well-being.

Program Scheduler – Responsible for management of scheduling staff shifts, menu development, grocery ordering and monitoring and registering staff for training.

Activity Manager – Develops, coordinates and facilitates client activities.

Registered Nurse – Ensures that medical and dental needs are monitored and met. Provides medication training to staff per DHS guidelines.

Medical Driver – Transports and assists clients with medical appointments.

Family Assistants – provide clients with supervision, assistance, and guidance in the home and community.  Family Assistants must successfully complete extensive training from Clearbrook’s Training Department.

Where is the program located?

Clearbrook’s CILA Program
(Administrative office)
1815 W. Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Clearbrook’s 54 CILAs are located in the following communities:
Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Elk Grove, Glenview, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Skokie, Wheeling and Wilmette.

What are the age requirements of the participants in your program?

Residents must be 18 years or older.

Contact Information

If you would like more information about Clearbrook’s CILA Program, please contact:

Heidi Raymond
847-385-5328
hraymond@clearbrook.org