Introduction: The Council receives hundreds of calls each year requesting information about residential alternatives for children and adults who have mental retardation. Because residential services and supports are so individualized, it is difficult to respond to these calls with a simple list. We urge anyone receiving this information sheet to carefully consider all alternatives, to obtain additional information and materials from the service provider, and to visit any residential placement being considered.

Further, our experience indicates that often times people requesting residential information may really be wanting other types of assistance—for example, in home support, respite or babysitting services, regular and appropriate day or vocational programs, etc. If you are interested in any or all of these alternatives, please request information sheets from the Council. Finally, residential alternatives require much planning and decision making. We encourage you to review the attached brochure before you begin calling the service providers listed below.

Types of Residential Services: There is a wide array of residential alternatives and providers in our community and state. Providers include the state, private non-profit agencies, and for-profit agencies. Some services provide large congregate living, while others provide small group homes, apartments, or even individual placements with a family, roommate, or paid staff. The matrix on the back of this sheet provides much of that information. The matrix, however, is simply the first step in the inquiry process.

Major State Providers:

Department for Social Services: DSS provides services for dependent children and adults with disabilities. Services for children include special needs adoption, foster care, and specialized foster care. Services for adults with disabilities includes placement in personal care homes (1-3 persons) or personal care homes (large congregate settings). Below is a listing of how to contact DSS:

Department for Health Services/State Facilities: All applications for state operated facilities are processed by the MR/DD Office at Seven Counties Services: Call 459-5292. All of these facilities are large, congregate settings.
Central State Hospital, ICF/MR Louisville, KY 502-245-4121 Primarily adults with moderate/severe MR/DD
Hazelwood ICF/MR Facility Louisville, KY 502-361-2301 Primarily adults with severe/profound MR/DD
Oakwood ICF/MR Facilty Somerset, KY 606-679-4361 Children and adults with severe/moderate MR/DD
Outwood ICF/MR Facilty Dawson Springs, KY 502-797-3771 Primarily adults with severe/moderate MR/DD

Private Residential Providers: The following matrix includes information about many residential service providers within the state of Kentucky. For additional specific information about any of the residential programs listed below, please call the program directly.

• If you wish to speak to someone who has experience with a particular residential facility, please call the Council and we will put you in contact with a parent/family member.

• If you have had experience with any of the listed facilities we would like to hear from you about the experience.

• Council for Retarded Citizens – (502) 584-1239

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The Council on Mental Retardation
1151 South Fourth Street
Louisville, Kentucky 
40203-2997
Phone: (502) 584-1239
Fax: (502) 584-1261