Before being approved to live in a SILP, a NMD must undergo a readiness assessment. The NMD and the social worker or probation officer should work together to assess readiness. It’s important to keep in mind that some SILP types require more independence than others.

A readiness assessment is required for all NMDs except those in student approved housing/dormitories.

The purpose of the readiness assessment is to assess
whether the NMD:

has a feasible financial plan
  • can afford identified housing
  • has stable income
has knowledge of financial skills
  • e.g. budgeting, managing money
is developmentally ready to handle daily tasks on their own
  • e.g. grocery shopping, preparing meals, self care, paying bills, transportation, etc.
has the ability to handle independence
  • e.g. waking up in time for work or school, stress/anger management, decision-making


No standard assessment tool is required. The California Department of Social Services has suggested the Ansell Casey, the Daniel Memorial, and other nationally recognized tools approved by the state and used by counties to approve TILP assessments.

What happens after the readiness assessment is conducted?

If the social worker or probation officer determines that hte NMD is not ready for a SILP, the NMD has the right to a grievance process.

There is no standard grievance process; each county may use their own.

If the NMD is not satisfied with the outcome of the grievance process or doesn’t want to use the county grievance process, the NMD can bring the issue in front of the court by contacting his/her attorney.