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ALSO provides residential care and in-home support for children with I/DD across Oregon. Safe, supportive environments where every child can grow.
Families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Oregon have access to two different programs through ALSO, each designed to meet children where they are.
These are two distinct programs with separate teams and referral paths. The sections below explain each one so families can identify the right fit or explore whether both may apply.
ALSO’s Children’s Services program provides residential care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need a staffed home outside the family setting. Children in this program live in warm, safe, and fully supported homes in the Portland Metro area, where dedicated staff help them build skills, make choices, participate in their community, and stay connected to the people who matter most to them.
Every child’s plan is individualized and built around their unique needs, goals, and personality. The Children’s Services program may include:
Children’s Services is designed for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require out-of-home residential placement. This may include children who:
Children’s Services staff can also support family visits and help facilitate transitions back to a family home where appropriate. However, ongoing in-home support within a family home is a separate program, provided through ALSO’s Community Living department.
Reach out to Tanja Garrot, Associate Director, at tanja.garrot@alsoweb.org or call (503) 489-6565 to ask questions, discuss your child’s needs, and explore next steps. The team can also arrange a visit so families can see the homes, meet staff, and understand how the program works day to day.
For children with I/DD who live with family and need support within the home, ALSO’s Community Living department provides flexible, targeted in-home assistance. This is a separate program from Children’s Services and is designed for families who are together but need additional help to support their child’s growth, independence, and daily routines.
Support is delivered in the family home and built around the child’s individual goals and the family’s specific situation. Plans can be as focused as a few hours per week for a specific area of need or more comprehensive depending on what the child and family require.
Services are individualized and may include:
This program is designed for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who:
Contact the ALSO Community Living team to ask questions and explore whether in-home support is the right fit for your family. Call (503) 489-6565.
Whether a child is in a residential home or receiving support in their family home, ALSO’s approach starts the same way: by listening. We learn what matters to the child, what their daily life looks like, and what goals they and their family are working toward. Every support plan is built from that foundation, not from a standard template.
ALSO’s services are designed and implemented with the whole child in mind. We prioritize skill development, independence, decision-making, and community inclusion. We do not just address needs; we build on strengths. And we do not just support children in our programs; we support their connection to family, community, school, and the full life they deserve.
"Our commitment to improving the lives and learning for the children we support is one of our top priorities."
Understanding Your Options:
Children’s Services at a Glance
ALSO offers two programs for children with I/DD and a pathway into adult services. Here is how they compare:
| Program | Who It Serves | Where | What It Provides | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s Services (Residential) | Children with I/DD needing out-of-home placement | ALSO-staffed children’s home | Full-time residential care, skill development, community inclusion | Tanja Garrot |
| In-Home Support for Children (Community Living) | Children with I/DD living with family | Family home | Targeted in-home assistance, skill-building, caregiver support | ALSO team |
| Adult Residential Care | Young adults transitioning at 18 | ALSO-staffed adult home | Continued residential care with age-appropriate independence | ALSO team |
24-hour, staffed support in a shared home for adults who need a higher level of structure.
Flexible, person-centered support for adults with I/DD living independently in their own homes or communities.
Targeted support delivered in an individual's existing home, focused on skills and daily tasks.
Helping adults with I/DD find and keep meaningful jobs across Oregon.
Proactive, person-centered Positive Behavior Support for people with I/DD throughout Oregon.
ALSO's accessible apartment community offering an integrated housing option for people with and without disabilities.
We welcome your questions and are here to help you explore your options. No pressure, no obligation, just a conversation about what is possible for your child.
Tanja Garrot, Associate Director
In-Home Support for Children (Community Living)
Email Address
